KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 18
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Bada Dashain, is being observed across Nepal today with prayers to Goddess Durga and rituals at temples and homes.
Devotees have been visiting goddess temples since early morning to offer prayers and perform traditional animal sacrifices, including goats, ducks and roosters. Special worship is also being held at Dashain Ghars and military installations, where weapons, vehicles and machinery are ritually worshipped.
The day is dedicated to the worship of Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati. Devotees also recite the Durga Saptashati, a sacred text associated with Goddess Durga.
According to religious scholar Prof Dr Ram Chandra Gautam, animal sacrifice is part of traditional Hindu observances on the day, while those who do not practise it offer fruits and vegetables instead.
A special Kalaratri worship ceremony will be held at midnight at the Dashain Ghar in Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu.