Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta on Third Day of Navaratri

On the third day of Navaratri, devotees across Nepal are worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta, the third among the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

According to scriptures, the goddess is named Chandraghanta because she carries a bell (ghanta) adorned with the crescent moon (chandra). Scholars say her worship brings strength and removes sins. “Devotees of music and arts particularly revere Chandraghanta, as she is known for her calm, compassionate, and graceful form,” explained Chintamani Bhattarai, associate professor at Valmiki Vidyapeeth.

Earlier, the first two days of the festival were dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri and Goddess Brahmacharini. Each day of Navaratri honours a different form of Durga, culminating on the ninth day with the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri.

Throughout the nine days, rituals, recitations of Durga Saptashati and other hymns are performed, with offerings shared as prasad until Kojagrat Purnima. The festival, widely known as Dashain, remains Nepal’s biggest celebration, drawing large crowds to temples and shrines nationwide.