Thread by @jhasushant

Today is the Maha Ashtami(2nd oct 6:47 pm onwards to 3rd Oct 4.37pm) of Durga Puja and this is special day for devotees across India; especially in Mithila and Bengal but not limited to that area. (1)
#Mahaashtami

An auspicious day to seek blessings frm the Mother Goddess beleived to leave her maternal place for in-law's. In #Mithila & other part of #Bihar, the tradition of offering 'Khoincha'(खोंइछा भरना) is very important where married women pay offerings to the Goddess(2)
#Mahaashtami

'Khoinchha'(खोंइछा) in #Maithili means "Aanchal" with the offerings to a beloved person; be it daughter leaveing her father's house afte marrige or the Mother Goddess who is beleived to staying in her Mayaka till Saptami(7th day of the Puja). (3)
#Mahaashtami

In 'Khoinccha' offering only married women can participate and they seek blessing from the Mother for the long life and happiness for her husbands. Normally, a five year pledge is taken which can be extended till the will, age and circumstances allow.(4)
#Mahaashtami

In #Khoinchha, normally a Saree, vermilion, cosmetics, rice, coconut and money(not necessary) are offered to the Goddess part of which is normally given back to the devotees as 'Prasad' and considered auspicious for the devotees. (5)
#Mahaashtami

There is long queues of women in the villages of Bihar tonight for offering #Khoinchha and its energy is rare in festivals as the daughter is leaving her father's house. Grief & joy! Only to be comapred with Ganesh Chaturthi where Lord Ganesh is treated as child! (6)
#mahaashtami

In #Mithila; animal sacrifice(Goat) is offered to the Goddess and in the night #Khoinccha' happens. One animal is sacrificed in the night and normally Khoinchha takes place before it; however not restricted. If someone is left, she can offer it in the morning.(7)
#Mahaashtami

I dont know similar offerings to the Goddess in other part of India; may be due to lack of my exposure. The 'Anajali'(Pushpanjali) is #Bengal is perhaps diff from #Khoinchha which takes place daily in the evening. (8)
#Mahaashtami

I talked to the my mother in my village and she was little sad that she could not go to Durga Sthan this year as she is not well. Also, she is widow now; however she has done the #Khoinchha offerings for years. Still she wanted to feel the energy there. (9)
#Mahaashtami

A unique tradition where Goddess is treated as mother and daughter as well. She is always here to bless us and she will come again next year to her 'Mayaka'! She is always there in our household and heart as our 'Kuldevi'(family deity) (10 end)
#Mahaashtami