Kathmandu, March 26
The Chaité Dashain festival, observed every year on the Shukla Ashtami of the month of Chaitra, is being celebrated today in households across the country with the worship of Goddess Nava Durga Bhagwati.
There are four Navaratris in a year. The Navaratris that fall in the Shukla Paksha of Ashadh and Poush are less commonly observed, although some devotees still worship the goddess during these periods.
During the Navaratri of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, Ghatasthapana is performed from the first day, and jamara is planted. This is why the Dashain of this period is known as Bada Dashain. On Dashami, elders apply tika and jamara to younger family members, and the tradition continues until the full moon day of Ashwin.
Such practices are less common during Chaité Dashain in many families. However, at the Dashain Ghar in Hanuman Dhoka, Ghatasthapana is performed, and rituals are carried out formally, including animal sacrifices on Ashtami. The festival particularly emphasises Ashtami and Navami. Ashtami is observed as Chaité Dashain, while Navami is celebrated as Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram, the eldest son of King Dasharath and Queen Kaushalyavati of Ayodhya in the Treta Yuga.
Like Bada Dashain, the main purpose of Chaité Dashain is to seek blessings for peace and prosperity in this life and salvation in the afterlife. Family gatherings are also an important part of the celebration.
Special rituals are held at various temples in the Kathmandu Valley, including Guheshwari Temple, Jayabageshwari Temple, Maitidevi Temple, Naxal Bhagwati Temple, Bhadra Kali Temple, Shobha Bhagwati Temple, Kalikasthan Temple, Bajrayogini Temple, Indrayani Temple, Bijeshwari Temple, Sundari Mai Temple, and Chamunda Devi Temple.
Similarly, outside the valley, special worship is performed at sacred sites such as Palanchok Bhagwati Temple, Chandeshwari Temple, Nala Bhagwati Temple, Palchok Bhagwati Temple, Shaileshwari Temple, Bageshwari Temple, Gahwamai Temple, Manakamana Temple, and Kalika Devi Temple.
It is believed that visiting these Shakti Peethas during Chaitra Navaratri and offering prayers brings strength and fulfils wishes.
