Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel visited the historic and renowned Nawadurga Temple in Bhaktapur on Sunday to offer prayers on the occasion of Kojagrat Purnima, marking the conclusion of the Dashain festival.
Accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel, the President worshipped Nawadurga Bhawani and received tika and prasad brought from the historic Taleju Temple.
Visiting the Nawadurga Temple on Kojagrat Purnima is a longstanding religious and cultural tradition observed by Nepal’s head of state. President Paudel continued this tradition by visiting Bhaktapur in the afternoon.
Upon his arrival at the temple premises, he was welcomed by members of the temple management committee, officials of the Bhaktapur District Security Committee, local representatives and members of the public.
During the visit, traditional Nawadurga dances and other cultural performances were presented within the temple complex, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and religious significance of the area.
President Paudel also observed and worshipped the idols of the nine Hindu goddesses associated with the Nawadurga tradition, including Brahmayani, Maheshwari, Kumari, Vaishnavi, Barahi, Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, Tripurasundari and Bhadrakali.
As part of the customary rituals, the President offered traditional monetary gifts, known as dakshina, to the Nawadurga priests, the chief ritual leader and the members of the deity group.
The chief ritual leader of the temple also presented President Paudel with jamara, red tika and special prasad brought from the historic Taleju Bhawani Temple.
The visit highlighted the enduring religious traditions of Bhaktapur and the cultural significance of Kojagrat Purnima, which marks the final day of the Dashain festival. The annual observance reflects the continued importance of Nepal’s historic temples, religious practices and cultural heritage.