Devotees Flock to Shakti Peeths Across Nepal for Chaitra Ashtami Festival

Kathmandu. Today is Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, also known as Chaite Dashain. On this occasion, large crowds of devotees have gathered since early morning at various Shakti Peeths and Goddess temples across the Kathmandu Valley and the entire country.

A surge of worshippers was particularly visible at the Bhadrakali, Maitidevi, Nakshal Bhagwati, Shobha Bhagwati, and Guhyeshwori temples in Kathmandu for worship and darshan.

There is a religious belief that worshipping the Goddess on Chaite Dashain brings happiness, peace, and fulfillment of desires. Special attendance of pilgrims was also noted at famous temples outside the valley, including Manakamana in Gorkha, Bindhyabasini in Pokhara, Kalika in Baglung, and Pathibhara in Taplejung.

Among the two Dashain festivals celebrated annually, the one observed in Chaitra is also considered the 'Small Dashain'. Similar to the Bada Dashain in Ashwin, the Goddess in her form of power is specially worshipped on this day.

The Ram Navami festival is celebrated the day after Chaite Dashain, on Chaitra Shukla Navami. Special celebrations will be held at Ram temples tomorrow on the occasion of Lord Shri Ram's birth anniversary.