Bada Dashain 2082 Begins Today with Ghatasthapana

Nepal’s biggest Hindu festival, Bada Dashain, officially begins today with the ritual of Ghatasthapana. Celebrated every year from the first day of the bright lunar fortnight in Ashwin, Dashain marks nine days of worship dedicated to Goddess Durga.

On the first day, devotees perform Ghatasthapana by setting up a sacred pot (Kalash), lighting an oil lamp, and invoking Goddess Durga in their homes or community temples. The ritual begins with bringing clean soil or sand from a riverbank or a purified place, spreading it in the Dashain room, and planting barley seeds (Jamara). The sprouting Jamara, considered dear to Goddess Durga, is later offered as a symbol of prosperity during Vijaya Dashami along with tika and blessings.

According to Prof. Dr. Devmani Bhattarai, a member of the Nepal Panchang Determination Committee, scriptures prescribe barley as the only grain for Jamara plantation. However, some families follow their ancestral traditions by planting other grains alongside barley. Jamara is also valued in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties.

Ghatasthapana Auspicious Time: 9:13 AM

The Nepal Panchang Determination Committee announced 9:13 AM as the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana this year. Committee Chairman Prof. Shambhu Prasad Dhakal explained that Ghatasthapana must be performed on the Pratipada Tithi during sunrise, as per Vedic tradition.

Throughout Navaratri, devotees worship the three forms of Goddess Durga: Mahakali (power), Mahalaxmi (wealth), and Mahasaraswati (knowledge). These nine days also commemorate the Goddess’s victory over demons such as Chanda, Munda, Shumbha, Nishumbha, and Raktabija, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Worship of Nine Forms of Durga

Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Durga, collectively known as Nava Durga:

1. Shailaputri
2. Brahmacharini
3. Chandraghanta
4. Kushmanda
5. Skandamata
6. Katyayani
7. Kalaratri
8. Mahagauri
9. Siddhidatri

Dashain Tika and Devi Bisarjan Dates

The Committee has set October 2, 2025 (16 Ashwin 2082 BS) at 9:23 AM as the auspicious time for Devi Bisarjan (conclusion of the festival).
The most favorable time for receiving Dashain Tika and Jamara is 11:53 AM on Vijaya Dashami.
Traditionally, offerings of Jamara and blessings continue from Vijaya Dashami until Kojagrat Purnima.

Bada Dashain is not only a religious festival but also a cultural celebration where families reunite, exchange blessings, and pray for health, prosperity, and peace.