Hindus across the country sowed seeds for Jamara (sacred plants) at their homes and temples on Saturday, as the Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana.

Dashain is the longest festival in the Nepali calendar when the goddess Durga is worshipped. The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil.

Dashain is the time for people to go home and be with their parents. Schools, colleges and offices are closed for the occasion from eight days to more than two weeks.

People enjoy the occasion by cooking and eating delicacies. For children, it is time for new clothes and playing on the swing installed particularly for Dashain and Tihar.

Up to 2 million people are believed to leave Kathmandu Valley for their home districts. This causes a travel rush, forcing people to book bus tickets weeks in advance. Mountain goats and goats from faraway places and even India are brought into Kathmandu to supply meat, which is a must for non-vegetarians in Dashain.

Devotees also visited various Shakti Piths to worship. Guheshwori, Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Mahangkal, Naradevi, Indrayani, Kalikasthan, Maitidevi and Sankata in Kathmandu Valley remained packed throughout Saturday.

Jamara is offered as blessing by elders to younger relatives on the tenth day, which is known as Tika.

Throughout Navaratri (nine nights), people chant bhajans (devotional songs) of goddess Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati at home and in temples.