The Radha Krishna Temple in Allen holds its Durgashtami Havan and Kanya Puja on Sunday, Oct. 18, marking what the temple calls one of the most sacred days of the 11-night Navratri Mahotsav festival.

The sacred fire ceremony and worship service run from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the temple, 1450 North Watters Road.

Parking is free.

Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Navratri, honors Maa Mahagauri, a form of the goddess associated with purity and serenity, according to the temple's website. The Durgashtami Havan is a fire offering in which a priest chants mantras while devotees place offerings of ghee and grains into the flames. Attendees can sponsor the havan, sit in the group ceremony or participate online.

Kanya Puja, held the same day, welcomes young girls as representations of the Divine Mother. The girls receive worship, food and gifts as part of the observance.

The temple, led by spiritual leader Swami Mukundananda, is also hosting a Bathukamma celebration Sunday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The Telangana folk tradition centers on a flower tower accompanied by songs and dancing. Entry for Bathukamma is $11 per adult and $5 per child, according to the temple's Navratri schedule page.

The broader Navratri Mahotsav, which began Oct. 10, runs through Tuesday, Oct. 20. Garba and Dandiya dancing takes place every night in the temple's air-conditioned indoor hall with professional singers and a live band from India. Kids Garba runs from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Oct. 19, with free pizza, prizes for best outfit and best Garba, and daily giveaways.

A day pass costs $12 for adults 12 and older and $7 for children ages 3 to 11. Children under 3 enter free. A family pass covering two adults and two kids is $30 per night.

The festival closes Oct. 20 with Dussehra programming, including a cultural performance and Ravan Dahan from 6 to 8 p.m. Ravan Dahan is a ceremonial burning that marks the triumph of good over evil. Garba and Dandiya follow from 8 to 9 p.m.

Upcoming at the Radha Krishna Temple (1450 North Watters Road, Allen; (469) 795-9130):

  • Sunday, Oct. 18: Durgashtami Havan and Kanya Puja, 5:30–7 p.m.; Bathukamma celebration, 5–6:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20: Dussehra cultural performance and Ravan Dahan, 6–8 p.m.; Garba and Dandiya, 8–9 p.m.