Nepal Observes Ghatasthapana, Marking First Day of Vijaya Dashami Festival
Devotees across Nepal begin Dashain celebrations with prayers to Goddess Durga and the preparation of sacred barley shoots, known as Jamara.
KATHMANDU, Oct 11: Nepal on Sunday marked the beginning of Vijaya Dashami, popularly known as Bada Dashain, the country’s most significant Hindu festival. The ten-day celebration commenced with Ghatasthapana, observed on the first day of the bright lunar fortnight of Ashwin, according to Hindu tradition.
Ghatasthapana marks the start of religious rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine manifestations. On this day, devotees worship Shailaputri, the first form of the goddess. The remaining eight forms are Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
A central ritual of Ghatasthapana is the preparation of Jamara, sacred barley shoots cultivated by sowing barley seeds in a mixture of sand and soil inside a clay vessel. The seeds are kept in a designated place and nurtured throughout the festival as part of the traditional worship of Durga Bhawani, revered as the goddess of power.
The ritual is also performed at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar, located within the historic palace complex at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu. The germination of barley seeds begins with prayers and the chanting of Vedic mantras, marking the formal commencement of the festival.
Jamara holds special religious significance during Dashain. On the tenth day, devotees receive the sacred barley shoots along with tika, a mixture of vermilion, rice and curd, from their elders. The ritual symbolises blessings, prosperity, good fortune and respect for family traditions.
This year’s Vijaya Dashami falls on October 21. On the occasion, younger family members visit their elders to receive tika and Jamara and seek their blessings. The custom strengthens family bonds and remains an essential part of Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage.
Dashain is widely regarded as a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, truth over falsehood and light over darkness. Families come together during the festival, while temples dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati and other forms of Shakti witness special prayers and religious gatherings.
The festival is also associated with Navaratri, reflecting the nine nights of worship dedicated to the different manifestations of Goddess Durga. In several parts of Nepal, animal sacrifices are performed at Shaktipeeth temples as part of traditional religious observances.
Dashain’s importance extends beyond religious ceremonies, influencing public life across the country. Government offices generally remain closed for about a week, while educational institutions observe holidays lasting nearly two weeks, allowing people to participate in celebrations and reunite with relatives.
Through its rituals, family gatherings and devotional practices, Vijaya Dashami continues to represent Nepal’s enduring religious traditions and cultural identity.
