Kathmandu: The nine-day Navratri festival commenced on Monday with the auspicious ritual of Ghatasthapana. At 9:13 a.m., Jamara was formally placed at the Dashainghar in Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu, marking the beginning of Dashain celebrations. On the occasion, the Nepali Army band performed Mangal Dhun, and a ceremonial gun salute was offered.
As per tradition, households across the country also observed Ghatasthapana by planting Jamara. After completing morning rituals, devotees prepare a sanctified space, often a room cleansed with cow dung and decorated as Dashainghar. Sand or soil brought from a river or a clean source is spread, Jamara seeds are sown, and worship begins with the installation of lamps, a kalash, and Lord Ganesh, invoking Goddess Durga’s divine energy.
Throughout Navratri, the three forms of Durga Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati are revered. Each day is dedicated to one of the nine manifestations of Durga in sequence: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with devotion and cultural fervor across Nepal.
More photos (by Beeju Maharjan / TDN):
