Bhaktapur, July 28

Khame, a he-buffalo regarded as the demon Mahisasur, has been brought to Navadurga temple in Bhaktapur. The khame will be offered to goddess Bhramyani on the ninth day of Dashain.

According to culture expert Om Dhaubadel, Khame is usually brought to the temple on the day of Ghantakarna Parba, but this year was brought three days after the festival because of financial and some other issues.

Previous governments used to provide financial support for the ritual, but this year the government did not provide support, said locals.

Ram Bhakta Prajapati, 65, of Dagaina-9, Bhaktapur helped the Guthi Sasthan bring Khame.

Dhaubadel said Khame would be kept inside Navadurga temple and would be taken out only on the ninth day of Dashain to be sacrificed in the name of Durga Bhawani. “Every day, Khame will be washed, massaged with oil and will be given alcohol to drink to make him healthy and strong,” added Dhaubadel.

According to a myth, demon Mahisasur used to rule over the state of gods and Tripura Sundari with her mesmerising beauty diverted Mahisasur’s attention from the state. This made him weak and he ultimately lost his life in the battle with gods. The Newar community in Bhaktapur performs this ritual on the ninth day of Dashain to enact the same myth.