Mahanawami being celebrated today
Mahanawami, the ninth day of Dashain, is being celebrated countrywide today.
Mahanawami marks the last day of Navaratri festival that begins with Ghatasthapana.
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, Hindu devotees throng to temples of the Goddess across the country and abroad.
The historic temple of Taleju located at Hanumandhoka is also opened on this day. This is the only day in the whole year that the Temple of Taleju is opened for devotees. Thousands of people go and pay their respect to the Goddess on this day.
On the occasion of Mahanawami, special Puja is offered in Kots (armory) and Jangi Nishan (insignia of armed forces) in the barracks of the Nepal Army. The government allows foreigners to witness this function so hundreds of tourists and diplomats eagerly gather there. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered to honour Durga, the goddess of victory and might, and to seek her blessing. Military bands play war tunes, guns boom and officers with beautifully decorated medals in full uniform are present. When the function ends, the courtyard is filled ankle deep with blood.
People also offer sacrifices of animals to their vehicles. All factories, machinery instruments and anything from which people make a living are worshipped.
Sacrifices are also made to all moving machineries like cars, trucks etc. to get the blessing from Goddess Durga for protection for vehicles and their occupants against accidents during the year. nepalnews.com Oct 08 08
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