KATHMANDU: President Ramchandra Paudel has worshiped Nawakanya (nine virgins) at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas, today on the occasion of Maha Nawami, the ninth day of the 10-day Bada Dashain festival.

He paid homage to Nawakanya, who are taking shelter at Naxal-based Bal Mandir, according to the President’s Secretariat.

There is a tradition of worshiping nine virgins by the Head-of-the-State on the occasion of Maha Nawami every year.

On the occasion, the First Lady Sabita Paudel also worshiped the Nawakanya as the incarnation of Goddess Nawadurga.