Dashain begins today

September 26, Kathmandu: The biggest festival of Nepali Hindus Bada Dashain started on Monday.

On the first day of the Bada Dashain festival, Ghatasthapana, people sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination of the auspicious Jamara (barley shoots).

The auspicious hour for observing Ghatasthapana is 10:23 am, according to Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power on Gathasthapana.

Germination of the auspicious “Jamara” is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.

There is also a tradition of sacrificing animals while initiating the germination of the “Jamara”.

Also today, prayers are offered to goddess Mahakali, Mahalaxmi and Mahasaraswati at the Dashain Ghar, marking the beginning of the Navaratri (nine nights).