Mahanawami Festival Today

<p>The ninth day of the Bada Dasain festival Mahanawami&nbsp; is being observed throughout the country today. </p><p>Animal sacrifices and special offerings are made at homes and the shrines of various goddesses and Shaktipeeths today. </p><p>Since early morning today, a large number of devotees visit the temples of goddesses Mahakali, Shri Mahalaxmi and Durga Bhagawati. </p><p>Devotees also throng the shaktipeeths of Dakshinkali, Guheshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Bijyeshwori, Indrayani, Naradevi, Bajrabarahi, Raktakali, Bajrayogini and Sankata and offer prayers and sacrifices. </p><p>The festival is considered to be of special importance because goddess Chamunda had slain the Raktabij demon on this day of Mahanawami. </p><p>Chicken, ducks, goats, sheep and buffaloes are sacrificed in this festival. Vegetarians offer coconuts, radish, bottle-gourds, etc. </p><p>Machinery, arms and vehicles are cleaned and offered sacrifice on Mahanawami, the last day of Nawaratri. </p><p>Thousands of devotees offer worship at the Taleju Bhawani temple at Hanumandhoka. This temple is opened only once a year on the day of Mahanawami. </p><p>The worship of Sri Durga Bhawani at Dashainghars over nine days concludes formally on the day of Bijaya Dashami .<br></p>