KATHMANDU: The festival of Bada Dashain, one of the largest Hindu festivals celebrated in Nepal and globally known as Dushera or Durga Puja, officially concludes today with Kojagrat Purnima. This day marks the final opportunity to receive blessings through the ritual of putting ‘tika’ and ‘jamara,’ symbols of Navadurga’s protection and prosperity.

Ashwin Shuklapaksha Chaturdashi, which occurred during sunrise today, coincides with Purnima, which began at midnight, making it an auspicious day for devotees. Kojagrat Purnima, celebrated tonight, also marks the traditional evening fast that will continue through Thursday, October 17.

The ritual of applying ‘tika’ and ‘jamara,’ which started on Bijaya Dashami, serves as a significant practice during Dashain, symbolizing the blessings received from Navadurga from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada to Nawami. Families and relatives, both near and far, visit each other during this period to exchange blessings, making Dashain a time for familial reunions and community gatherings.

The normally quiet days of Maha Ashtami and Maha Nawami gave way to increased activity in Kathmandu and across the country since Bijaya Dashami. Following the public holiday for Bada Dashain, government offices resumed operations on Tuesday.