South Asian News Network

Kathmandu, Oct 18: Hindu communities across the nation are commemorating Maha Astami, the eighth day of the ten-day Bada Dashain festival, through veneration of Goddess Durga Bhawani. During this observance, devotees offer solemn worship to the divine forms of Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati. This particular day holds significant religious importance within the Dashain festival calendar, as it commemorates the occasion when Goddess Durga acquired her divine power. In observance of this occasion, devotees conduct sacred rituals at Dashain Ghars and military installations, presenting offerings at numerous temples through the ritual sacrifice of various animals. Additionally, devotees engage in the recitation of the Durga Saptashati sacred texts. Worship seekers visit numerous goddess temples throughout the Kathmandu Valley and across the nation beginning at dawn to present their devotions and perform animal sacrifices, including goats and ducks. Similarly, individuals visit 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 conducted at Dashain Ghars. Worshippers also consecrate weapons, vehicles, and mechanical equipment. According to Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, a religious scholar, Hindu practitioners traditionally perform animal sacrifice; however, those who abstain from animal sacrifice present vegetable and fruit offerings instead, in accordance with their respective religious customs. Furthermore, a solemn Kalaratri worship ceremony is performed at midnight at the Dashain Ghar located at Hanumandhoka in the capital.