Kathmandu: The grand Hindu festival, Bada Dashain, also known as Navaratri, has officially begun today with the observance of Ghatasthapana. This day marks the start of the nine-night festival, one of the most significant celebrations for Hindus in Nepal.

According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for performing Ghatasthapana rituals this year was set at 9:16 AM. On this day, worshipers offer prayers to Shailaputri, the first deity of the Navaratri festival, and begin the germination of Jamara (barley shoots) by planting maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung.

During this nine-day festival, different forms of Goddess Durga, including Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidhatri, are worshipped. Devotees across Nepal offer prayers and perform rituals to invoke blessings for prosperity and well-being.

The sacred ritual of Jamara germination is also initiated at the Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar with Vedic ceremonies. The seventh day of the festival, known as Phulpati, will be observed on October 9, while the most auspicious time for receiving Dashain tika is set for 11:36 AM on October 12.