Kathmandu, October 20: The Mahanawami festival is being celebrated today with considerable devotion through the veneration of goddess Durga Bhawani and the presentation of religious offerings.
This festival is commemorated on the ninth day of the lunar fortnight during the month of Asoj- Kartik according to the lunar calendar. It constitutes an integral component of the ten-day Bada Dashain festival.
Elaborate religious ceremonies are conducted in honor of Durga Bhawani on the occasion of Mahanawami, and the ‘jamara’ that has been cultivated is presented to the goddesses at numerous sacred sites.
Male goats, ducks, roosters, and male buffalo are offered as sacrifices at the various temples dedicated to the goddesses. Those who do not observe the practice of animal or bird sacrifice instead present fruits and vegetables as offerings to the goddess. The Durga Saptasati and Devi Strota sacred texts are recited in residences and temples throughout this day.
According to the Markandeya Purana scripture, the Goddess Chamunda vanquished the demon Raktabij on the day of Mahanawami. Consequently, the goddess receives special veneration on this day accompanied by animal sacrifice offerings.
On this occasion, military personnel also conduct the ‘kot puja,’ which refers to the consecration of armories.
The Taleju Temple situated at Hanumandhoka in the capital is also made accessible to devotees for worship on this day. The temple opens exclusively for the Mahanawami observance. Members of the Newar community also pay homage to Bhimsen, a Hindu deity, by performing animal sacrifices on the occasion of Mahanawami.
