Ghatasthapana in Nasal Chowk (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Today is Ashwin Shukla Pratipada ‘Ghatasthapana.’ On this occasion, rituals of the first day of Dashain, Ghatasthapana,  were performed in Dashain Ghar, Nasal Chowk, Hanuman Dhoka at the auspicious time of 11:29 a.m.

With this, the biggest festival of Nepali Hindus, Dashain, has begun. It is believed that the Dashain begins after placing Ghatasthapana at home. The troops of the Nepal Army even performed a Mangal Dhun on the occasion.

There is a tradition of fetching the soil from the nearest holy river. The worship room (Puja Kotha) of the house is cleaned and made pious with cow dung. A bed of soil is made in the room for spreading the grains. People even prepare the bed for the soil in a vase or vessel in the room. Then, grains including barley, rice, corn, and maize are spread over the bed of the soil.

On the day of Bada Dashain (Tika), the grown Jamara, and Tika are taken as a Prasad of Goddess Durga. According to the Nepal Panchang Judging Committee, the auspicious timing of putting Tika this year is 11:02 a.m.

Performing rituals, Ghat or Ghada is placed and the symbol of power, Goddess Durga, is worshipped. That’s why the day is called Ghathasthapana. There is a belief that Ghatasthapana must be performed on the day of Pratipada as per the Hindu scriptures.

(Glimpses of the rituals performed in Nasal Ghar)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)