Kathmandu, October 17 (H.S.): Nepal is observing Phulpati, a traditional festival celebrated on the seventh day of Navaratri, or Saptami, on Saturday. As part of the customary observances, Phulpati rituals are being performed across the country, while animal sacrifices are also being conducted at Shakti shrines in district headquarters under official arrangements.

Phulpati is an auspicious collection of flowers, leaves and fruits from various plants. On the seventh day of Navaratri, it is ceremonially installed and worshipped at the Dashain Ghar inside Hanuman Dhoka Palace in Kathmandu. The collection is brought to Kathmandu in accordance with Vedic rituals and installed at the Dashain Ghar.

On the occasion, a ceremonial procession featuring cultural tableaux and participants dressed in traditional attire proceeds from Hanuman Dhoka towards Jamal, accompanying the Phulpati observance. Although Nepal’s Dashain festival, also known as Dussehra, begins with Ghatasthapana, the celebrations gain particular momentum and enthusiasm from Phulpati onwards.

Government and private offices across Nepal close from Saturday for the Phulpati observance. During this period, people return to their ancestral homes to celebrate with their families and seek blessings from Goddess Durga Bhawani and their elders.

On Phulpati, grand processions are organised by district administration offices in coordination with district security agencies. The processions proceed to Shakti shrines across the districts, where goats are sacrificed as part of the traditional rituals.

The processions begin at district administration offices and include government employees, security personnel, military bands, local representatives and members of the public.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar