Nepal observes seventh day of Dashain with worship of Goddess Kalaratri

Kathmandu, October 17, 2026 — Devotees are worshipping Goddess Kalaratri, the seventh of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, at their Dashain prayer rooms and household shrines on the seventh day of Navaratri.

According to Vedic Sanatan tradition, Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day of the bright lunar fortnight of Ashwin, known as Ashwin Shukla Saptami. Religious belief holds that the goddess can destroy even Kaal, the force associated with death that eventually destroys all living beings. The Puranas describe Kalaratri as dark-complexioned and fearsome in appearance.

Navaratri began on Sunday, Ashoj 15, with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a sacred vessel, and the sowing of barley seeds for Jamara at Dashain prayer rooms and household shrines. On the same day, devotees invoked and worshipped Shailaputri, the first form of Durga.

On the second day, Monday, devotees worshipped Brahmacharini. Chandraghanta was worshipped on Tuesday, the third day, followed by Kushmanda on Wednesday, Skandamata on Thursday and Katyayani on Friday.

Today, the seventh day, devotees are worshipping Kalaratri. Throughout the nine days of Navaratri, devotees also recite Durga Saptashati, also known as Chandi, Shrimad Devi Bhagawat and other hymns dedicated to the goddess at the place where Ghatasthapana was performed.

Religious belief holds that worshipping the goddess during Navaratri brings strength, prosperity and knowledge. Following this tradition, followers of Vedic Sanatan Hinduism worship Goddess Durga from Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the lunar fortnight, through Navami, the ninth day.

The offerings received after nine days of worship are applied as tika from Vijaya Dashami through Kojagrat Purnima. Dashain is thus observed over 15 days in Nepal.

The nine forms of Durga worshipped during Dashain are Shailaputri on the first day, Brahmacharini on the second, Chandraghanta on the third, Kushmanda on the fourth, Skandamata on the fifth, Katyayani on the sixth, Kalaratri on the seventh, Mahagauri on the eighth and Siddhidatri on the ninth. Together, these forms are known as Navadurga.