Bada Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana today

Kathmandu, Sept 22: 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 9:13 am today. Deity Shailaputri is worshipped for observing Ghatastapana on the auspicious hour. The festival entails with reverence for deities such as Brhamacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalarati, Mahagauri, and Siddhirati. The first day is being marked by worshipping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with 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. Germination of the auspicious “Jamara” is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals. On the 7th day of the festival, Dashain Phulpati are brought to home on September 29. The committee has set 11:53 am as the most auspicious time for Dashain tika on October 2 (Asoj 16).