KATHMANDU, Oct 6: Nepali people, mainly Hindus are observing Maha Astami today by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani.

Maha Asatmi is the eight day of ten-day-long Bada Dashain festival.  This day holds special significance in Dashain because the Goddess Durga is believed to have attained power today. Hindu people worship Mahakali, Mahasarawati and Mahalaxmi, the three goddesses today.

Since early today morning Hindu devotees are thronging Hindu religious shrines or Shakti Piths including Maitidevi, Naxal Bhagawati, Guheswori to worship Goddess Durga Bhawani. Hindu people sacrifice he-goats, ducks and different vegetables and fruits while worshipping the Mata Durga Bhawani.

People recite Hindu scripture "Durga Saptashti" too.

Apart from worshipping the Goddess Durga, people worship domestic weapons such as Khukuris and Khunda.

Today, a special Kalaratri is observed to worship Durga Bhawani in various religious shrines including Dashain Ghar at Handumandhoka Durbar Square in Kathmandu.

 
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