Bhagasti [40], the Death of the nine Durgas (Devi Cycle)

The eighth day, the astami^[*] , of the following month, the waning month Tachalaga (June), is Bhagavati's astami^[*] , or Bhagasti. In the weeks following this day as the rains start the young rice plants are transplanted into the muddy paddy fields. On this day the masks of the Nine Durgas are "cremated" and those deities die, to be reborn in the course of the Mohani festival, some three-and-one-half months later. (Moderate.)