KATHMANDU: Navaratri Parba or the nine-night festival of Bada Dashain is beginning today. The first day of Bada Dashain is called Ghatasthapana that falls on Aswin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the month of Aswin. On the day of Ghatasthapana, all Nepalis worship diyo, kalas and Lord Ganesh as per Vedic tradition and sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination of the auspicious jamara (barley shoots). The most auspicious hour for observing Ghatasthapana is 9:41am today. Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power, today. Germination of the auspicious jamara is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar, today. There is also a tradition of sacrificing animals while initiating the germination of jamara. Also today, prayers are offered to goddess Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati at the Dashain Ghar, marking the beginning of the Navaratri (nine nights). During the Navaratri, thousands of devotees visit Naxal Bhagawati, Shobha Bhagawati, Maitidevi, Guheswori, Bhadrakali, Kalikasthan, Sankata, Mahankalsthan, Naradevi, Bijayeswori, Indrayani, Dakshinkali, Chamunda and other shrines of goddess Durga Bhavani. People also recite sacred verses dedicated to Durga Bhavani in temples throughout the festival.