Kathmandu:Hindu communities across the nation are observing Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of the ten-day Bada Dashain festival, with special reverence for Goddess Durga Bhawani.
According to National News Agency RSS, devotees are engaging in solemn worship of the divine forms of Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati. This day is of great religious significance within the Dashain festival, marking the occasion when Goddess Durga acquired her divine power.
Rituals are conducted at Dashain Ghars and military installations, with offerings made at numerous temples through the ritual sacrifice of various animals. Devotees also recite the sacred texts of Durga Saptashati. Many worshippers are visiting goddess temples throughout the Kathmandu Valley and across the nation from dawn to offer devotions and perform sacrifices, including those of goats and ducks.
Additionally, people are visiting goddess sanctuaries nationwide on this day to offer prayers and conduct sacrifices of goats, ducks, and roosters. Elaborate Durga Puja ceremonies and devotional prayers are also taking place at Dashain Ghars, where worshippers consecrate weapons, vehicles, and mechanical equipment.
Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a religious scholar, notes that Hindu practitioners traditionally perform animal sacrifices; however, those who do not partake in this tradition offer vegetables and fruits instead, following their own religious customs. Furthermore, a Kalaratri worship ceremony is held at midnight at the Dashain Ghar located at Hanumandhoka in the capital.