KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 15

Ghatasthapana, the first day of the Bada Dashain festival, was observed today at Dashain Ghar in Hanumandhoka, Kathmandu.

Ghatasthapana involves sowing maize and barley seeds in a pot filled with soil, accompanied by Vedic rituals to initiate the germination of the auspicious Jamara (shoots).

The rituals commenced at 11:29 am, which is the auspicious hour recommended by the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti (Calendar Determination Committee).

On Ghatasthapana, all Nepali Hindus worshipped Diyo (an oil-fed lamp), Kalas (auspicious jar), and Lord Ganesh in accordance with Vedic rituals. They also sowed maize and barley seeds for Jamara. Additionally, prayers were offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power. As part of the tradition, there is also the practice of sacrificing animals while initiating the sowing of barley seeds for Jamara.

Furthermore, on this day, prayers were offered to goddess Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati at the Dashain Ghar, marking the beginning of the Navaratri (nine nights) of the Bada Dashain festival.

During Navaratri, devotees visit Naxal Bhagawati, Shobha Bhagawati, Maitidevi, Guheswori, Bhadrakali, Kalikasthan, Sankata, Mahankalsthan, Naradevi, Bijayeswori, Indrayani, Dakshinkali, Chamunda, and other shrines of goddess Durga Bhavani in the early morning.

The Committee has announced that the auspicious time for bringing Dashain Phulpati home is 9:35 am on October 21, and for receiving the Dashain tika, it is 11:02 am on October 24.'