Today Is Maha Ashtami: Advice To Repeat Yesterday’s Actions In Dashain 2083. The Nepal Calendar Determination Development Committee has announced that, due to the extension of a “tithi” (lunar day) during this year’s Navaratri, Maha Ashtami falls over two days. Consequently, the Committee has advised that the rituals associated with Maha Ashtami be repeated today, just as they were performed yesterday.
In the calendar approved by the Committee, Maha Ashtami is marked for both Kartik 1 and Kartik 2. Prof. Dr Devmani Bhattarai—a former member of the Committee and Head of the Department of Dharmashastra at Valmiki Vidyapeeth—stated that the rituals performed on Kartik 1 should be repeated on Kartik 2 within the “Dashain Ghar” (the designated space for Dashain rituals) or the “puja” room.
“Although Kartik 2nd falls on the ninth day of Navaratri, the rituals to be performed must be those prescribed for the eighth day,” said Prof. Dr Bhattarai. “In the “Daskin Ghar” (the designated worship room), on Monday, Kartik 2nd, one must worship and offer prayers to Mahagauri—the eighth of the “Nava Durga” (the nine forms of the Goddess).” He further noted that all other rituals should also be a repetition of those performed on “Maha Ashtami”.
On the day of Vijaya Dashami, the “jamara” (sprouted barley/grains) grown over ten nights will be used for the “tika” ceremony. According to experts in religious scriptures, extending the period for the “sadhana” (spiritual practice), worship, and adoration of the Goddess by one day does not pose any issue.
Kalaratri Puja at Hanuman Dhoka on Monday night
Jayanti Shrestha Pradhan, Chief of the Hanumandhoka Palace Care Office, stated that the ‘Kalratri Puja’—conducted on behalf of the state at Hanumandhoka—will take place on the night of Monday, Kartik 2. This decision was made in consultation with the committee and in accordance with the established tradition followed by the priests of the Taleju Temple.
She explained that this decision was reached because, according to tradition, the rituals and worship for ‘Mahanavami’ are performed on the day immediately following the ‘Maha Ashtami’ rites at the Hanumandhoka Palace.
The main worship will take place on Monday, according to the Palace Care Office. There is a long-standing tradition of performing worship and rituals at the Hanuman Dhoka Palace on the night of Maha Ashtami, which includes the sacrificial offering of 108 animals.