Hindus throughout the country are observing Maha Astami, the eighth day of Bada Dasain, today by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani.
On this day, people offer special worship to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Maha Saraswati.
Maha Astami is considered a special day as it is believed that Goddess Durga attained power today.
On this occasion, people perform religious rituals at the Dashain Ghars and armories, worship the goddess at various shrines by offering animal sacrifices, and read the Durga Saptashati scriptures.
Devotees throng various goddess shrines in the Kathmandu Valley from early this morning to offer worship and sacrifice goats and ducks.
Similarly, people throng the various goddess temples throughout the country today to offer worship, sacrificing goats, ducks, and roosters.
Special Durgapuja and prayer ceremonies are held at the Dashain Ghars. People also worship the weapons, vehicles, and machines.
People who do not sacrifice animals offer sacrifices of various vegetables and fruits in place of animals.
Also on this day, a special Kalaratri worship is held at midnight at the Dashain Ghar of Hanumandhoka in the capital city.
This year, the Maha Astami and the Maha Nawami festivals fall on the same day.
Hence, the Maha Nawami festival is also being observed today with fervor by worshipping goddess Durga Bhawani and making offerings.
Special worship is performed to Durga Bhawani today on the occasion of the Maha Nawami by offering 'jamara' (sprouted seeds of barley and corn) to the goddesses at various shrines.
On this day, the security forces also perform what is called the 'kot puja' or worship of the armories.
The Taleju Temple located at Hanumandhoka in the capital is also open for the devotees to pay homage on this day.
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