This festival worships the Goddess Durga ( the Goddess of Good) who overcomes all evil.
This festival is celebrated over 5 days ( although the number of days varied depending on who we spoke to ) . There are 5 days Government holiday. Family’s reunite all over Nepal to share in food, prayer, and dancing. All the temples are refurbished- tidied and painted for the occasion .
Local villages and groups make idols of Durga and these are displayed in marquees called 'pandals' . The Durga idols are hand crafted bamboo stick sculptures, covered in mud and then elaborately decorated to varying degrees depending on money. Durga has many arms ( 10) and faces and there are also animals ( lion or buffalo and the slaying of a demon( Demon Mahisasura) in the scenes.
This is the only time during the year in Nepal that gambling is legal . When you walk down the street you see small children and adults playing card games, ludo and, the local game tigers and goats . Rupees are exchanged and there is alot of laughter and noise!
On the 2-3 day a goat is sacrificed in each family home and or the temple. Gorgol went to the Thursday market to buy his goat ( 8,000 rupees! ) for this very occasion. Very expensive!
Market day. There are numerous goats from which to select.
Gorgol shared with us that prior to the sacrifice a garland of flowers is placed around the goats neck and he is painted with tika before having its throat slit. He proudly informed me that he would be doing the deed!
At the end of the festival the Durga idol is taken in a procession down to the river in a truck , men chanting loudly and dancing. The woman follow behind . She is cast in the river , discarded , a symbolic departure to her home.
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