The "Navaratri", a festival of nine nights also known as Bada Dashain and a significant celebration for the Hindus in Nepal, has commenced from today (October 3).    
Ghatasthapana falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the Nepali month of Asoj (mid-September to mid-October) or Kartik (mid-October to mid-November).    
According to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee, the auspicious time for observing Ghatasthapana this year is at 9.16 am today. Deity Shailaputri is worshipped for observing Ghatastapana on the auspicious hour. The festival entails with reverence for deities such as Brhamacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalarati, Mahagauri, and Siddhirati.    
The first day is being marked by worshipping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and preparing Jamara (barley and maize shoots) by sowing seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination.    
Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today. Germination of the auspicious "Jamara" is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.    
On the 7th day of the festival is Phulpati after which public holidays begin.

The committee has set 11:36 am as the most auspicious time for Dashain tika and blessings on October 12 this year. RSS