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Dashain, the greatest festival celebrated by Hindus, begins with the sacred day of Ghatasthapana, marking the start of the 15-day festival. Ghatasthapana holds a deep cultural and religious significance, setting the tone for the entire Dashain celebration.
Ghatasthapana is the first day of Bada Dashain, the greatest festival of Nepalis. It falls on the Aswin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar Nepali calendar. The day also marks the beginning of the nine-day-long Navratra. Nepali people, mainly Hindus, place 'Jamara' to mark the first day of Navaratra or nine nights of Bada Dashain. People sow seeds (Jau) in a mixture of sand and clay at the auspicious time decided according to the calendar which is called Saiit.
On the day of Ghatasthapana, people worship with Diyo (an oil-fed lamp) and Kalas lord Ganesha by Vedic rituals and sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination of the auspicious Jamara (barley shoots). As the commencement of a 15-day Dashain Festival period, Ghatasthapana is one of the most important days in the Nepali calendar. It comes each year from late September to early October, with the dates varying on the Gregorian calendar. The Dashain period runs from the “no moon” night of the Hindu month of Ashvin and ends on the full moon of the same month.
On the morning of Ghatasthapana, households prepare for a special ceremony. A Kalash filled with holy water is placed in the prayer room, usually on a layer of clean sand. Alongside the Kalash, barley seeds are planted in a sacred spot, which is the beginning of Jamara cultivation.
A priest or the eldest family member starts the prayers, invoking the Goddess Durga for strength and blessings. The Kalash is often covered with cow dung and sprinkled with red sandalwood, reflecting devotion and purity.
Ghatasthapana is not just about starting the Dashain festival, it has a deeper meaning that touches the spiritual side of life. Here’s why it’s important in a simple way:
Calling Goddess Durga for Protection: On Ghatasthapana, the Kalash (a sacred pot) is placed in homes to invite Goddess Durga’s presence. People believe she comes to protect their family from bad things and blesses them with happiness and health. By performing this ritual, families feel the goddess is watching over them, bringing positive energy into the home.
Good Winning Over Evil: Dashain celebrates the victory of good over evil. Ghatasthapana is the first step in this journey. Planting Jamara (barley seeds) represents the start of something new and positive. Just like these seeds grow into green plants, we are reminded to develop good qualities in ourselves, like kindness and honesty. It’s about starting fresh and choosing to do good in life.
Symbol of Cleanliness and New Beginnings: Everything used in Ghatasthapana, like the Kalash and the place where Jamara is planted, must be clean. This shows the importance of keeping our minds and hearts pure, and free from negative thoughts. Planting the seeds in clean soil is like planting good intentions in our lives, helping us focus on positive change and new beginnings.
Bringing Families Together: On Ghatasthapana, families come together to participate in the rituals. This creates a spiritual bond among family members, reinforcing values such as unity, cooperation, and love. The shared prayers and rituals strengthen the spiritual connection within the family, fostering an atmosphere of peace and harmony. It teaches the importance of collective prayer and how families can draw strength from one another, guided by the blessings of the goddess.
Symbol of Growth and Renewal: Jamara represents new beginnings and growth. Just like the seeds sprout into fresh green plants, it symbolizes that life can grow and flourish when given the right care and environment. Spiritually, it reminds people to nurture their inner growth—by being kind, honest, and good-hearted.
Connection with the Goddess Durga: Jamara is considered a blessing from Goddess Durga. Since the seeds are planted on Ghatasthapana when prayers are offered to the goddess, the Jamara is seen as carrying her divine blessings. This is why it is treated as a sacred item during Dashain.
A Sign of Prosperity and Well-being: The green color of Jamara is linked with prosperity, good health, and overall well-being. In Nepali culture, green is often seen as a lucky and positive color, and during Dashain, wearing or receiving Jamara is believed to bring good fortune for the coming year.
During the nine days between Ghatasthapana and Vijaya Dashami, the seeds are nurtured carefully. The space where the Jamara is planted is usually dark because the sprouts grow taller and softer in low light. Family members water the seeds daily and watch them grow, making it a ritual of care and attention. This process also symbolizes the nurturing of positive values and intentions in life, reminding people to be patient and caring in everything they do.
Family members gather for the Tika ceremony on the tenth day of Dashain, called Vijaya Dashami. During this, the elders give blessings by placing red Tika on the foreheads of their younger relatives and offering them Jamara. Wearing a Jamara is believed to bring peace, happiness, and strength. It’s also a way to honor the family’s traditions and respect the goddess.
Ghatasthapana and Jamara together mark the spiritual and cultural essence of Dashain. Ghatasthapana begins the festival by inviting Goddess Durga into the home, symbolizing protection, purity, and the triumph of good over evil. The ritual of planting Jamara on this day signifies new beginnings, growth, and prosperity. As the Jamara grows, it serves as a reminder of the blessings of the goddess and the importance of nurturing positive values in our lives. When families wear Jamara on Vijaya Dashami, it becomes a symbol of divine blessings, unity, and well-being. These traditions bring families closer together and carry forward the deep cultural heritage of Nepal.
To make this Dashain even more special, explore RaraMarket’s Dashain Combo Packages for a joyful celebration with your loved ones.
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