Dashain begins with Ghatasthapana

KATHMANDU: Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain, was observed with much fanfare and elaborate rituals as per vedic traditions, throughout the country, today. The Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in Nepal’s annual calender, celebrated throughout the nation by Nepalis of all castes and creed.

Literally, Ghata is referred to as ‘vessel’ and Sthapana means ‘installation’. As the meaning goes, people today installed a holy vessel filled with cow dung and red soil in their homes and sowed maize and barley seeds —(Jamara) on the auspicious day. The holy vessels were installed at the capital’s Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar and at the temples of Durga, the deity of power.

The people also worship the butter lamp and the idol of the elephant god (Ganesh). The worship of the idol will continue for the next 10 days, starting today. The 10th day of the Dashain ‘Bijayadashami’, popularly known as Tika, is a day when people offer blessings with Tika and Jamara.