Festive activities increase in Mahottari

By Our Correspondent, Mahottari, Oct. 12: Festive activities have increased across Mahottari, from villages to urban areas, with the start of Bada Dashain, also known as Sharadiya Navaratri. 

Durga idols have been installed and fairs organised at various locations across the district, while special prayers have begun at famous temples and shrines. A total of 40 Durga fairs are being held in the district this year.

Special prayers and religious programmes have been planned at several religious sites, including Sonasati (Sonamai) Temple in Aurahi Municipality-7, Panchadhura Mai Sthan in Bardibas Municipality-4, Sansari Mai Temple and Rajdevi Temple in Jaleshwar. The Durga fairs in Sonamai, Jaleshwar, Matihani, Ramgopalpur, Gaushala and Sitapur Bazaar are among the major attractions.

Known as ‘Dashahara’ in the local Maithili language, Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana, the first day of Navaratri. Religious activities have increased at temples, sacred shrines and places where Durga idols are being made. Worship, devotional singing and the recitation of religious texts have begun in homes. Preparations for the fairs, including idol-making, pavilion decoration and event management, are also gaining pace.