Kathmandu. On the ninth day of Navratri, Goddess Goddess Durga is worshipped with utmost rituals.

There is a Vedic tradition of worshiping Goddess Mahagauri on the eighth day of Ashwin Shukla Ashtami every year. Although the eighth day of Navratri falls on the eighth day of Navratri, this year the fourth date has been increased.

Since the color of Goddess Mahagauri was a bit black earlier, Lord Shiva used the word ‘Ae Kali’ to the goddess in a joke. Bhagwati did not like that word. It is mentioned in various Puranas that Mahagauri was named after attaining a fair complexion by performing severe penance. It is mentioned in the Puranas and various classical texts that Mahagauri is in the form of riding a white bull, white complexion and wearing white clothes.

On the first day of Navratri, Monday, September 20, a barley jamara was kept in the Dashain Ghar or Puja hall according to the Vedic rituals. On the same day, Shailputri, the first goddess among the nine goddesses, was invoked and worshiped at Ghatasthapana.

Goddess Brahmacharini was invoked at the place of worship on the second day, Sept 21, Tuesday, and on the third day, Asoj 24, Goddess Chandraghanta was worshiped with devotion. Goddess Kushmanda was worshiped on the fourth day on Thursday and the fifth day on Friday. Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fifth day of the sunrise as the fourth date increases.

On the occasion of Ashwin Shukla Panchami, which falls on the sixth day of Navratri this year, Goddess Skandmata was worshipped. Goddess Katyayani was worshipped on the sixth day of the month of Ashwin Shukla on Sunday and Kalratri Devi was worshipped on the seventh day of the bright half of the month of Ashwin on Monday. On the same day, Phulpati was also brought to the Dashain Ghar or Puja room.

Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped today on the occasion of Ashwin Shukla Ashtami. During the nine days of Navratri, Durga Saptashati (Chandi), Shrimad Devi Bhagwat and Devi Stotra are recited at the site of Ghatasthapana. There is a religious belief that worshiping the Goddess during Navratri brings power, prosperity and knowledge.

On this basis, the followers of Vedic Sanatan Dharma offer special worship to Goddess Durga every year from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Navami. The prasad offered for nine days is offered from Bijaya Dashami to Kojagrat Purnima. In this way, Nepalis celebrate Bada Dashain festival for 15 days.

Worship is held on the first day for Durga Puja, Brahmacharini Pooja on the second day, Chandraghanta Pooja on the third day, Kushmanda Pooja on the fourth day, Skandmata Pooja on the fifth day, Katyayani Pooja on the sixth day, Kalratri Pooja on the seventh day, Mahagauri Pooja on the eighth day and Siddhidatri Pooja on the ninth day. These nine forms of Durga are also known as Navadurga.

During Navratri, devotees throng the Shakti Peeths all over the country to offer prayers and pay obeisance. On this occasion, the devotees throng the Shakti Peeths in and outside the Kathmandu Valley. On the seventh day of Navratri, i.e. from the day of Phulpati, a public holiday is also given, due to which the crowd increases in the Shakti Peeths and Devi temples across the country.