Ghatasthapana today as Dashain begins
11:30 AMThe
Dashain festival starts from Saturday as Ghatasthapana is being
observed by sowing seeds of Jamara (sacred plants) at home and
temples.Dashain, the first day of the Hindu’s greatest festival, is
dedicated to the worship of Durga, the goddess of power.
On the day, people clean up their houses
early in the morning and prepare for Ghatasthapana, which literally
means the placing of the pot. Ghata means pot and Sthapana refers to
placing. Hindu god Ganesh is also worshiped on the day and Kalasha
(vessel full of holy water) and Diyo (oil-fed lamp) are placed before
reading Holy Scriptures. Jamara includes seeds of barley, rice, corn and
wheat which are planted on a leaf plate traditionally known as Tapari
and Bohta.
Jamara is kept as the blessing of
Goddess Durga on the 10th day of Bijaya Dashami by Hindu Nepalis
worldwide. Usually the head member of the family plants Jamara after
purifying himself/herself by taking a holy bath and wearing clean
clothes.
Devotees also visit various Shakti Piths
(power centres) of Durga to receive her blessings. Guheshwori,
Bhadrakali, Shobha Bhagawati, Mahangkal, Naradevi, Indrayani,
Kalikasthan, Maiti Devi and Sankata are know as shakti piths in
Kathmandu Valley.
Jamara is offered as blessings by elders
to younger on the 10th day. The day is known as Tika. Offering of Tika
and Jamara ritual continues for five days till Purnima. Some devotees
fast for the prosperity of family members.
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