In Dasain, the buffalo is brought to Gathemung (Dattatreya square) near the temple of goddess Durga. On the evening of the ninth day of Dasain, it is taken to the open street and chased from the Durga temple towards Bramhayani temple which lies about a kilometer away on the bank of Hanumante river. Before the chasing starts, it is made drunk by feeding alcohol.[1][3]
After chasing, the buffalo is cleaned in the holy water of Hanumante river. Pilgrims also bath in the same river. A tantric ritual is performed by sprinkling holy water, rice and flowers on the body of buffalo and some tantric mantra is whispered in its ear. The buffalo is then slain as a symbol of demon Mahisasura.[1]
The head is displayed as the demon king Mahisasura while the body is distributed as prasada. It is believed that the if the holy prasad keep the evils away from the family. The prasad is stored and burnt in the fire as incense in the Lakshmi Puja.[1]