KATHMANDU, April 5 -- On the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Ashtami, Nepalis across the country are celebrating Chaite Dashain today by worshiping Goddess NavaDurga at home.

Hindus observe four Navaratras each year. Among them, only a few devotees observe the ones that fall during the lunar fortnights of Ashadh and Poush. However, some spiritual practitioners still worship Goddess Shakti during those less common periods.

During Navratra in Ashwin Shukla Paksha, devotees begin rituals with Ghatasthapana and plant Jamara (barley sprouts) on the first day. As a result, people refer to the Dashain celebrated during Ashwin as Bada Dashain. On Dashami, the tenth day, families apply Tika and Jamara from elders, a tradition that continues until Pur...