Maha Ashtami is the eighth day of the 10-day Hindu festival Dashain, celebrated mainly in Nepal and India. On this day, the fierce form of Goddess Durga, known as Kali, is worshipped and appeased through the sacrifice of buffaloes, goats, hens, and ducks in temples throughout the country. The sacrifice of animals is considered symbolic of fertility and is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The night of this day is also known as Kal Ratri, or Black Night, after the form of Durga worshipped on this day.

It is customary for buffaloes to be sacrificed in the courtyards of all the land revenue offices in the country on this day. The old palace in Kathmandu Durbar Square is active throughout the night with worship and sacrifices in almost every courtyard. On the midnight of the very day of Dashain, a total of 54 buffaloes and 54 goats are sacrificed in observance of the rites.

After the offering of blood, the meat is taken home and cooked as "prasad," or food blessed by divinity. This food is offered in tiny leaf plates to the household gods, and then distributed amongst the family. Eating this food is believed to be auspicious.

In addition to the puja, great feasts are held in the homes of common people on this day. The Newar people have a tradition called "Khadga Puja," where they do puja of their weapons. It is when they put on a tika and receive blessings from elders. Maha Ashtami is an important day during the Dashain festival and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm.