Bada Dashain begins, Ghatasthapana today

Kathmandu, September 28

Bada Dashain, the greatest and longest festival of Nepali Hindus, will officially begin tomorrow with Ghatasthapana which also marks the beginning of Navaratri.

People observe Ghatasthapana by performing puja and setting up ghata or pot, on which they sow seeds of barley, wheat, corn and rice, at home and in temples as per the Vedic tradition.

According to Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti, the most auspicious time for sowing seeds in a mixture of sand and soil in a clay pot is 10:35 am tomorrow. The sprouted seedlings are called jamara. These are offered along with tika on the 10th day, which is observed as Vijaya Dashami.

According to the Samiti, following Ghatasthapana, the most suitable time for replacing national flags hoisted in government offices is 10:25 am on September 29 (Wednesday).

Similarly, this year’s Pachali Bhairav Jatra will be celebrated with the procession of goddess Taleju Bhavani on October 3. Similarly, the auspicious time for bringing Fulpati to the Dashain Ghar at Hanumandhoka is 8:52 am on October 5.

Likewise, October 6 and 7 will mark Mahaashtami and Mahanavami respectively. Tika or Vijaya Dashami, the main day of Dashain will be celebrated on October 8.

Though tika can be received and offered from the day of Vijaya Dashami to Kojagrat Purnima, the most auspicious time for receiving and offering tika is 10:35 am on Vijaya Dashami, NPNS said.

According to popular Hindu myth, Goddess Durga had killed the demon king Mahishasur on Mahanavami and Vijaya Dashami symbolises the victory of good over evil.

During Navaratra, devotees visit the temples of the goddess of power.