KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 11

Hindus throughout the country are observing the eighth day of the Bada Dasain festival as the Maha Astami festival today by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani.

On this day, people offer special worship to the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Maha Saraswati.

This day of the Dasain festival is considered a special day when Goddess Durga attained power.

On the occasion, people perform religious rituals at the Dasain 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 worship and prayer ceremonies are held at the Dasain 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.