Bada Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana today

Kathmandu: The “Navaratri”, a nine-night festival known as Bada Dashain and a significant celebration for Hindus in Nepal, has commenced today. Ghatasthapana falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar month Asoj or Kartik.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for observing Ghatasthapana this year is at 9.16 am. Deity Shailaputri is worshipped for observing Ghatastapana during auspicious hours. The festival entails reverence for deities such as Brhamacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalarati, Mahagauri, and Siddhirati.

The first day is marked by worshipping the deity Shailaputri by Vedic rituals and preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination. Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today.

Vedic rituals also initiate the germination of the auspicious “Jamara” at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar. On the 7th day of the festival, Dashain Phulpati is brought home on October 9. The committee has set 11:36 am as the most auspicious time for Dashain tika on October 12 (Asoj 26).

RSS