The first day of Dashain, Nepal’s most important Hindu festival, is known as Ghatasthapana. This auspicious day heralds the vibrant start of a 15-day celebration, traditionally observed as a private affair. According to the Hindu calendar, it falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, marking the first day of the bright fortnight in Ashwin (September/October). On this day, Hindu households across Nepal sow maize and barley seeds at home to prepare jamara, a crucial element for the festivities on the 10th day, celebrated as Bada Dashain or Tika.
What is Ghatasthapana?
The term “Ghatasthapana” is coined from two words: “ghata”, meaning a kalasha or a pot, and “sthapana”, meaning “to place” or “establish. The kalasha in this context symbolizes goddess Durga and is considered her alter. On this day the sacred kalasha, made of clay or metal, is smeared with cow dung, filled with water and decked with barley and maize seeds. The vessel is placed on a sand pit of soil and sand which too is sown with the seeds. The vessel is kept in a sacred corner of the house, usually the prayer room, away from direct sunlight. From Ghatasthapana until the 7th day, i.e. Fulpati, the vessel is worshiped every day and watered twice a day. By then, the seeds start to sprout long lime green grass known as jamara. Believed to be cherished by Goddess Durga, the same jamara is given to everyone as her blessing on the 10th day of Dashain, called Tika.
The Rituals around Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana holds immense spiritual significance in Nepali Hinduism. It is a ritual observed in nearly every household, except during periods of mourning. On this auspicious day, families begin by thoroughly cleaning and purifying their homes early in the morning. Sand is brought from a sacred river or pond nearby, to be used in the ritual which is mixed with soil to create a sand bed in the prayer room of every household, also called “Dashain Ghar”. Traditionally, outsiders are not allowed inside this room.
The aforementioned kalash with water and seeds of barley and maize, a symbol of Goddess Durga, is placed on the sand bed, strategically angled to be away from direct sunlight. The rituals are observed with the worshiping of deity Shailaputri, one of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga worshiped during Dashain.
A special Ghatasthapana is also performed in the Dashain Ghar of Hanuman Dhoka Palace amid chants of Vedic mantras, a tradition that has continued since the reign of Shah kings in Nepal and perhaps even before that. A band from Nepal Army usually plays Mangal Dhun (auspicious melody) further enhancing the sacred ambience.
With the commencement of Ghatasthapana, celebrations and worship take place at various Shakti Peethas (powerful shrines associated with Goddess Durga) across Nepal, including the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees flock to these sites throughout the Dashain period, which also serves as a much-needed opportunity for family time and relaxation, adding to the festive energy.
In the Mithila region of Nepal, Ghatasthapana is celebrated with the Jhijhiya folk dance, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the festival.
Nationwide, the Ghatasthapana ritual is performed at a predetermined astrologically auspicious time and date, underscoring its profound celestial significance.
Astrological Significance surrounding Ghatasthapana
Ghatasthapana is an invocation of Goddess Durga and must be performed at an auspicious time. Conducting this ceremony at an improper moment is thought to bring misfortune and potentially anger the Goddess. Vedic texts prohibit Ghatasthapana on days without a visible moon and after nightfall. The rituals are performed within the first one-third of the day to ensure its auspiciousness. In Nepal, the official Nepal Calendar Determination Committee determines and announces the appropriate date and time for Ghatasthapana based on the Hindu lunar calendar.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Ghatasthapana is a Hindu ritual that holds deep spiritual significance. It involves the preparation of a sacred altar or kalasha where the Goddess Durga is worshiped. This kalasha symbolizes the divine abode of the goddess and helps devotees focus their prayers and rituals, thereby strengthening their connection with the divine feminine.
The proper setup of the altar, complete with the required items, and the meticulous performance of the associated rituals are believed to bring peace, prosperity, and blessings to the devotees.
Conclusion
Ghatasthapana sets the tone for the 15 days of Dashain, blending rituals, prayers, and family togetherness in one of the most awaited times of the year. While rooted in religion, it is also a reminder of the importance of revering and reconnecting with ancestral customs, the divine feminine, and the natural rhythms of life. From its spiritual undertones to its cultural vibrancy, Ghatasthapana reflects the essence of Dashain as a festival that transcends mere celebration and fosters a deeper sense of faith, togetherness, and renewal.
