Ghatasthaphana ritual performed

Kathmandu, October 12:

As part of Dashain rituals, elders of households performed Ghatasthapana

at their homes on the first day of Navaratri today. Under this ritual, barley and other seeds are sown in sand and mud. On the day of Vijaya Dashami, elders put young Jamara — young barley plants — on forehead of junior members of their families.

Nine manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshiped during Navaratri. People installed a ‘Ghata’ (pot) filled with holy water. They worshiped Diyo (an oil-fed lamp), Kalas (auspicious jar) and Ganesh in accordance with Vedic rituals.

Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Samitee — a body of astrologers — had stated that it will be auspicious to perform the Ghatasthapana ritual from 7:49 am to 8:01 am. Barley seeds were also sown at the Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals. Prayers were offered to Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati. Along with the establishment of ‘Ghata’, animals like he-goats, hens and ducks were sacrificed in different places as offerings to Goddess Durga.

Thousands of devotees visited temples of goddesses to worship and offer prayer this morning. There were rows of people in the temples like Maitidevi, Chamunda Bhagwati, Naxal Bhagawati, Shobha Bhagawati, Guheswori, Bhadrakali, Kalikasthan, Sankata, Mahankalsthan, Naradevi, Bijayeswori, Indrayani, Dakshinkali, Jaya Bageshwori and Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. People will continue to visit these temples during Nawami-the ninth night.

According to religious scriptures, Goddess Durga is descendant of Nirriti, who invented farming in Saptasindhu’s Valley (Indus Valley Civilisation) and Ghatsthapana is performed to honour her for her contribution to agriculture.