KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 23

President Ramchandra Paudel worshiped the Nawakanya (nine virgins) today as the incarnation of Goddess Nawadurga on the occasion of Maha Nawami, the ninth day of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival, the biggest festival of Nepalis.

The Head of State offered obeisance and performed puja rituals for the nine virgins during a special ceremony at Shital Niwas, the President's House.

On this occasion, President Paudel anointed the feet of the nine virgin girls, received tika from them, and presented them with gifts. It is a tradition for the Head of State to perform the Nawakanya ritual on the day of Maha Nawami during the Dashain festival.

Goddess Durga is worshiped as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri during the Dashain festival.