KATHMANDU, Nepal-Mahanawami, the last day of Navaratri festival that starts with Ghatasthapana, is being celebrated across the nation on Sunday.
Kalaratri was observed on Saturday midnight, carrying out various rituals to pray Goddess Durga.
Hindu devotees have been thronging temples of the Goddesses Mahakali, Shri Mahalaxmi and Durga Bhagawati since early morning across the country.
For nine consecutive days, Hindus worship Goddess Durga in their households and the worshipping, followed by merrymaking, culminates on the tenth day as Vijaya Dashami.
On the day of Mahanawami, the historic temple of Taleju located at Hanumandhoka is also opened. Thousands of people go and pay their respect to the Goddess on this day.
Animal sacrifices and special offerings are performed at Dashain Ghars and Kots or armouries as well as at the shrines of various goddesses and Shaktipeeths today.
Since early morning today, a large number of devotees visit the temples of goddesses Durga Bhagawati, Mahakali, Shree Mahalaxmi.
Devotees also throng the shaktipeeths of Dakshinkali, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Bijayeshwori, Indrayani, Naradevi, Guheshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Bajrabarahi among other temples and offer prayers and sacrifices.
In the meantime, prayers are being offered and Durga Saptashati scripture are recited at the various Shaktipeeths today.
The festival is regarded to be of special importance because goddess Chamunda had slain the Raktabeej demon on this day of Mahanawami, according to Hindu tradition.
