KATHMANDU: Hindus observed Kojagrat Purnima - the last day of their greatest festival of Dashain today. With this, the festival, which began two weeks ago on the Ghatasthapana day, is over.

During the fifteen days of celebration the Goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with pujas, abundant offerings and sacrifices of thousands of animals.

On the last day, it’s believed that the Hindu goddess of wealth Laxmi bestows one with wealth if found anyone awake till late into the night.

According to Hindu mythology, the festival commemorates a victory of the gods over the wicked demons. The main celebration glorifies the triumph of good over evil and is symbolised by Goddess Durga slaying the terrible demon Mahisasur, who terrorised the earth denizens in the guise of a brutal water buffalo.

The first nine days of Dashain signify the nine days of ferrous battle between goddess Durga and the demon Mahisasur. The tenth day, Dashain, is the day when Mahisasur was slain and the last five days symbolise the celebration of the victory with the blessing of the goddess.

Another story related to the festival is the Ramayan, where Lord Ram slaughtered Ravana, the monstrous king of demons. It is said that Ram was successful in the battle only when goddess Durga was evoked.

After receiving the blessing of Goddess Durga, people are ready to work and acquire virtue, power and wealth.