Devotees Gather Across Nepal as Maha Ashtami Observance Continues

Devotees thronged temples and religious shrines dedicated to Goddess Durga throughout the country and within the Kathmandu Valley to mark Maha Ashtami. Due to changes in the lunar calendar extending the festival schedule, worshippers observed the rituals for a second straight day. People began arriving at various Shakti shrines early in the morning to participate in religious offerings and conduct traditional prayers. Within the Kathmandu Valley, significant crowds gathered at multiple historic sites, including Guheshwari, Maitidevi, Kalikasthan, Naxal Bhagawati, Bhadrakali, and Shobha Bhagawati. Other temples drawing worshippers included Bijeshwari, Indrayani, Raktakali, Shwetakali, Chamundamai, Sundarimai, Bajrayogini, Taleju Bhawani, Tokha Chandeshwari, and Dakshinkali near Kathmandu. Religious locations were decorated with banners, flags, colourful lights, and fresh flowers to welcome the visitors. A heavy influx of visitors was also noted at major shrines across regions outside the capital. Reports differ on the precise day within the Bada Dashain schedule, as one account identifies Maha Ashtami as the eighth day of the festival, while other reports classify the day's events as taking place on the ninth day of Bada Dashain.