Kathmandu, 20 October (H.S.): Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel performed the traditional ritual worship of nine young girls at the presidential residence, Shital Niwas, on Tuesday, marking the occasion of Navratri.

President Paudel performed the ritual in accordance with tradition alongside First Lady Sabita Paudel. During Navratri, the worship of nine young girls, regarded as manifestations of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, is an established religious custom.

The nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped on the occasion are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.

As part of the ceremony, President Paudel washed the girls’ feet, applied *tika* to their foreheads and presented them with gifts.

In Nepal, it is customary for the head of state to perform the Kanya Puja ritual. The tradition was previously observed by Nepal’s kings within the royal household. Following the country’s transition to a republic, the practice has continued, preserving an important aspect of its religious and cultural heritage.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar