Dashain Begins 2083: Ghatasthapana Today In Nepal Bada Dashain, the great festival of the Nepali people, has begun today. Today marks the first day, Ghatasthapana.
The Panchanga Nirnayak Samiti (Calendar Determination Committee) has announced that the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana today is 11:47 AM.
Associate Professor Dr. Purushottam Bhattarai, Chairman of the Committee, stated that since the “Chitra Nakshatra” (lunar mansion) prevails throughout the day, the “Abhijit Muhurat”—an auspicious time occurring around midday—has been designated for “Ghatasthapana”. He explained that the Committee decided to observe “Ghatasthapana” today in accordance with the scriptural principle that the ritual should be performed on the day when “Pratipada” (the first day of the lunar fortnight) coincides with sunrise.
Bada Dashain is celebrated with great joy and grandeur every year from the first day (Pratipada) to the full moon day (Purnima) of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashwin. Today, marking the first day of the festival, “Ghatasthapana” is performed in households by installing a “Diyo” (oil lamp), “Kalash” (sacred vessel), and Lord Ganesh in accordance with Vedic rituals.
“There is no scriptural provision for cultivating “Jamara” (sacred sprouts) from grains other than barley.”
The day is known as ‘Ghatasthapana’ because Goddess Durga—the embodiment of divine power—is worshipped upon a ritualistically consecrated sacred vessel (Ghada). On the day of Vijaya Dashami, the “Prasad’ of Goddess Durga is received after performing an “Abhishek” (ritual sprinkling) using the water from the sacred vessel consecrated today.
Worship of the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga Throughout Navaratri
The period extending from Ghatasthapana to Vijaya Dashami is known as Navaratri. Throughout this festival, the nine forms of the presiding deity, Goddess Durga, are worshipped.
Worship and prayers are offered to Shailaputri on the first day, Brahmacharini on the second, Chandraghanta on the third, Kushmanda on the fourth, Skandamata on the fifth, Katyayani on the sixth, Kalaratri on the seventh, Mahagauri on the eighth, and Siddhidatri on the ninth day.