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On the day of Bijaya Dashami, jamara, considered the sacred blessing of Goddess Navadurga, is being sold at various intersections of Kathmandu. While most households grow jamara from the day of Ghatasthapana, those unable to grow it at home for various reasons purchase it from vendors. Traders said each bunch of jamara is being sold for Rs 100 to Rs 150.

Photo: Nepal Photo Library

During Nepal’s biggest festival, Dashain, the streets of Kathmandu Valley have become unusually quiet. With people traveling to their villages to celebrate Dashain and Tihar, and many locals staying indoors, the capital looks deserted.

Normally congested with heavy traffic, the roads of Kathmandu Valley are now empty. From Ghatasthapana to today, around 600,000 people left the Valley through various exit points.

On the eighth day of Dashain, Maha Ashtami, a large number of devotees thronged the historic Gorkha Kalika Temple from early morning for worship and animal sacrifices.

As per tradition, government-sanctioned sacrifices will begin after 2 pm, following which the temple will be open for the public to offer sacrifices of goats, buffaloes, and sheep.

The Gorkha Kalika Temple is regarded as one of the most significant Shakti Peeths (power shrines) in the district. Devotees from Gorkha, as well as neighboring districts including Kathmandu, Tanahun, Chitwan, and Lamjung, visit the temple during this time.

It is widely believed that offering worship and sacrifices at the temple during Dashain fulfills devotees’ wishes and brings blessings.

At present, the main entry and exit points of Kathmandu are crowded with people leaving the valley. Large gatherings of passengers can be seen at Gongabu Bus Park, Kalanki, Koteshwor, and Jadibuti as they wait for buses.

Since early morning, the pressure of vehicles heading out of Kathmandu toward different destinations has made various checkpoints around the city chaotic.