Dashain Commences, with Ghatasthapana Being Observed Today

Kathmandu – Nepal’s most awaited celebration, Dashain, begins with the sacred ritual of Ghatasthapana, a day that signals the start of nine nights of devotion and family gatherings. Across the country, households prepare early in the morning, sweeping and purifying their prayer spaces to welcome the goddess Durga, revered as the embodiment of strength and protection.

The Ritual of Planting Jamara

At the heart of Ghatasthapana is the sowing of jamara, the yellow-green shoots that symbolize prosperity and blessings. Barley seeds, often mixed with wheat and maize, are planted in sand brought from a river and kept in a quiet corner of the home or temple. A copper or brass vessel filled with sanctified water is placed nearby, decorated with pipal leaves and accompanied by an oil-fed lamp. Each day until the festival’s climax, the seeds are watered at dawn and dusk, eventually sprouting into soft golden grass.

Nine Nights of Devotion

Dashain’s first nine days, known as Navaratri, are dedicated to the worship of Durga in her nine powerful forms. Families and devotees visit major shrines such as Naxal Bhagawati, Guheswori, Dakshinkali, and countless other goddess temples from the hills of Taplejung to the valley of Patan. Legends describe these days as a remembrance of the goddess’s victory over the demon king Mahishasura, a triumph of good over evil that inspires faith and renewal.

Blessings on the Tenth Day

The festival reaches its pinnacle on Bijaya Dashami, the tenth day, when elders bestow tika, a mix of rice, vermillion, and yogurt, along with the sacred jamara onto younger relatives. This gesture is more than a tradition; it carries heartfelt wishes for peace, health, and prosperity. Those unable to grow jamara at home or receive blessings from family often visit historic Dashain Ghars such as Hanumandhoka to collect the sacred grass and prasad.

A Celebration of Unity

While the rituals are deeply spiritual, Dashain is equally a time for family reunions and community bonding. City streets and village squares come alive with devotees traveling to their ancestral homes, reinforcing ties across generations. The festival’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of devotion, culture, and the shared belief that virtue and courage ultimately prevail.