KATHMANDU – President Ramchandra Paudel today worshipped the Nawakanya (nine virgins) as the incarnation of Goddess Nawadurga on the occasion of the Maha Nawami, the ninth day of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival, the biggest festival of Nepalis, today.
The Head-of-the-State offered obeisance and puja rituals to the nine virgins amidst a special ceremony at the Shital Niwas, the President House.
On the occasion, President Paudel anointed the feet of the nine virgin girls, took tika from them and gave them presents. There is a tradition of the Head-of-the-State performing the Nawakanya ritual on the day of Maha Nawami of the Dashain festival.
The Goddess Durga is worshipped as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatrri during the Dashain festival.