Maha Ashtami celebrated

The Hindu devotees yesterday celebrated Maha Ashtami across the country.

The main attraction of Maha Ashtami is Kumari Puja in which a pre-pubescent girl is worshipped as "Mother Goddess".

Thousands of Hindu devotees were flocking to Puja mandaps throughout the country to celebrate Kumari Puja. The celebrations mark the triumph of good over evil.

The rituals began around 11:00am when girls were worshipped as the goddess at Puja mandaps, including Ramkrishna Mission Temple in the capital.

The worshipped girl symbolises the power that regulates creation, stability and destruction on earth.

The goddess is bathed symbolically and dressed for the final battle. It is believed that on this day, Durga killed the demon.

In old days, a buffalo was offered as sacrifice to the goddess. These days, bananas, pumpkins and cucumbers replaced the animal.

Also known as Maha Ashtami, the day holds special significance in the social and religious calendar of the Hindus.

Devotees of all ages offer flowers at the feet of the girl Goddess Durga.