KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 11

The Mahanawami festival was observed with great fervor and worship of Goddess Durga Bhawani today.

As per the lunar calendar, it marked the ninth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asoj, which is part of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival.

Special rituals were performed in honor of Durga Bhawani, and 'jamara' was offered at various shrines. In many temples dedicated to the goddess, animal sacrifices of he-goats, ducks, roosters, and he-buffalos were made. Those who did not follow the tradition of animal sacrifices offered fruits and vegetables to the goddess instead.

The Durga Saptasati and Devi Stotra scriptures were recited in homes and temples. According to the Markandeya Purana, the goddess Chamunda slew the demon Raktabij on Mahanawami, which is why animal sacrifices are a key part of the worship on this day.

The security forces also performed the traditional 'kot puja', or the worship of armories, on this occasion. The Taleju Temple at Hanumandhoka in Kathmandu, which is only open to devotees on Mahanawami, welcomed worshippers.

In addition, the Newar community performed worship to the Hindu deity Bhimsen through animal sacrifices. This year, the Maha Astami and Mahanawami festivals coincided and were observed on the same day.