Mahanawami being celebrated
Mahanawami, the ninth day of Dashain, is being celebrated throughout the country and outside 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 whole year when the Temple of Taleju is opened for devotees. Thousands of people go and pay their respect to the Goddess 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 Nepal Army. The government allows foreigners to witness this function so hundreds of tourists and diplomats eagerly gather here. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered by hundreds 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 stand there. When the function ends the courtyard is filled ankle deep with blood.
People also offer sacrifices of animals to their vehicles. All factories, vehicles, other machinery instruments and anything from which people make a living are worshiped. 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 ag Oct 20 07
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