Kathmandu:Hindu communities are observing Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of the Bada Dashain festival, by venerating Goddess Durga Bhawani. This day is significant within the festival calendar as it marks the occasion when Goddess Durga acquired her divine power.
According to National News Agency Nepal, devotees are engaging in solemn worship of the divine forms of Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati. Sacred rituals are conducted at Dashain Ghars and military installations, with offerings made at numerous temples through the ritual sacrifice of animals.
In addition to these rituals, devotees recite the sacred texts of Durga Saptashati. Many visit goddess temples throughout the Kathmandu Valley and across the country starting at dawn to present their devotions. Animal sacrifices, including goats and ducks, are performed, while others offer prayers and conduct sacrifices at goddess sanctuaries nationwide.
Elaborate Durga Puja ceremonies are held, with devotees consecrating weapons, vehicles, and mechanical equipment. Some practitioners, who abstain from animal sacrifice, instead offer vegetables and fruits in line with their customs, as explained by Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a religious scholar.
A solemn Kalaratri worship ceremony is also performed at midnight at the Dashain Ghar located at Hanumandhoka in the capital.