Ghatasthapana 2082: Dashain Festival Officially Begins Today
Nepal’s biggest festival, Dashain, begins today with Ghatasthapana rituals at 9:13 AM, marking 15 days of family gatherings and celebrations.
Nepal’s grandest festival, Dashain 2082, formally commenced today with Ghatasthapana, the ritual planting of barley seeds (Jamara) symbolizing prosperity. According to the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti, the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana this year was set at 9:13 AM.
Ghatasthapana, observed on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, marks the invocation of Goddess Durga, the central deity of the festival. Families across the country established sacred Kalash (pots), lit lamps, and began rituals invoking Durga, signifying the official start of the 15-day celebration.
The tradition involves bringing clean sand or soil from rivers or holy sites, spreading it on a sanctified area in the household prayer room (Dashain Ghar), and sowing barley seeds. The Jamara sprouts, considered sacred to Goddess Durga, will be offered during Vijaya Dashami alongside tika as a symbol of blessings and prosperity.
Dashain, also known as Vijaya Dashami, unites families as members return home from different cities and abroad to celebrate. Rituals continue until the full moon day (Purnima), blending devotion, family gatherings, and cultural unity.