Photos by: Keshav Thapa

Scores of devotees thronged to various temples of goddess Durga to receive her blessings with the beginning of Dashsin festival.

Devotees visit various Shakti Piths (power centres) of the goddess of power during the longest festival in the Nepali calendar.

During the Navaratri, or the nine nights festival of Bada Dashain, devotees visit Naxal Bhagawati, Shobha Bhagawati, Maitidevi, Guheswori, Bhadrakali, Kalikasthan, Sankata, Mahankalsthan, Naradevi, Bijayeswori, Indrayani, Dakshinkali, Chamunda and other shrines of goddess Durga Bhavani in the early morning.

All nine nights are named according to Hindu scriptures and after the nine incarnations of Durga.

People also recite sacred verses and hymns dedicated to Durga Bhawani at temples and shrines as well as at their homes throughout the Dashain period.