Mahaastami being observed today

Kathmandu, October 18:

Mahaastami is being observed on the eighth day of Bada Dashain festival throughout the country tomorrow by sacrificing animals at Dashain Ghars, the houses where jamara seeds are sown on Ghatasthapana, the first day of the Dashai, armouries and shrines of various goddesses.

Devotees flocked to temples of Navadurga Bhawani and Shakti Peeths from early morning. Those offering animal sacrifice and worship visit Shakti Peeths of Dakshinkali, Guheshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Shova Bhagawati, Bijyeswari, Indrayani, Bajrabarahi, Raktakali, Bajrayogini and Sankata in the valley.

Devotees also throng the Manakamana temple in Gorkha, Gahawamai temple in Birgunj, Chhinnamasta temple in Saptari, Rajdevi temple in Janakpur, Ugratara temple in Dadeldhura

and other temples of goddess Bhawani in various districts to offer worship and sacrifices.

Also tonight, Durga Puja is offered at Dashain Ghars.

Tools, weapons and vehicles are also cleaned and worshipped by offering animal sacrifices. Different auspicious items symbolising goddesses Durga Bhawani, Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalaxmi are worshipped on the occasion of Mahaastami.