By Dhirendra Prasad Sah, Rajbiraj, Oct. 15: As Dashain grips the nation, the activity has increased at Maa Chandi Bhagwati Temple, located in Ward No. 7 of Rajbiraj Municipality in Saptari district.
Attractive decorations, dazzling lights, and artistic clay idols of deities have transformed the temple premises into a magnificent sight. On the occasion of Dashain, preparations are underway for worship rituals, animal sacrifices, the traditional Khoichha Bharne ceremony, and other religious activities. A fair is also being organised at the temple and will continue until the full moon day.
Located in the heart of Rajbiraj, the temple has been witnessing an increasing number of devotees coming to offer prayers and worship Goddess Bhagwati since Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain.
The number of visitors is expected to rise further as the major days of the festival approach.
Inside the temple premises, artistic clay idols have been created depicting Goddess Durga in her Mahishasuramardini form, the demon Mahishasura, a lion, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh, and other religious figures.
The idols portray the religious legend of Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura, adding to the temple’s attraction. Colorful lights and beautiful decorations have further enhanced the festive atmosphere.
According to Ramanand Dev, Chairperson of the Dashain Worship Preparation and Management Committee, preparations are underway to organise a grand fair at the temple.
He said the fair would continue until the full moon day and feature worship rituals, devotional songs, bhajans, kirtans, and evening religious programmes.
Animal sacrifice is also a longstanding tradition at the temple during Dashain.
Local resident Ranjukumari Sah said the number of devotees arriving to offer animal sacrifices increases significantly from Phulpati, the seventh day of Dashain. She added that the temple becomes particularly crowded on Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, when women visit to perform the traditional Khoichha Bharne ritual, making crowd management challenging.
Believing that worshipping Goddess Bhagwati during Dashain will help fulfill their wishes, devotees travel to the temple from distant places. Religious activities that begin on Ghatasthapana intensify further on Phulpati, Maha Ashtami, and Maha Navami.
According to temple priest Durgananda Mishra, the number of devotees has been increasing since Ghatasthapana. He said a significant number of worshippers are expected to visit the temple for special prayers and darshan on the main days of Dashain.
At Chandi Bhagwati Temple, which is deeply connected with the religious faith, traditions, and cultural celebrations of Dashain, preparations for worship and the management of the fair are being accelerated. Organisers are working to ensure that worship services, visits to the temple, and religious programmes are conducted in an orderly manner, taking the anticipated crowds into account.
Hemraj Ghimire, Deputy Superintendent of Police and spokesperson for the District Police Office, Saptari, said security surveillance had been intensified to manage the crowds and prevent unwanted activities, theft, jewellery snatching, and pickpocketing during the fair.
He said security personnel had been deployed to ensure that devotees could visit the temple, offer prayers, and perform religious rituals in a safe, orderly, and peaceful environment.
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