New Delhi, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : The festival of Sharadiya Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is a significant occasion for devotees. Over these nine days, followers honor the nine forms of the goddess, seeking prosperity, peace, and happiness in their homes. The celebration begins with Ghatasthapana, or the establishment of the kalash, which is believed to bring positivity into the home.
This year, Sharadiya Navratri will commence on Sunday, October 11. The auspicious time for kalash installation is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM, while the Abhijit Muhurat will take place between 11:44 AM and 12:31 PM. This marks the start of the worship of Goddess Durga and the nine days of religious rituals.
To perform the kalash installation, one will need a wide-mouthed clay pot, clean soil, barley, a kalash, Ganga water, pure water, a coin, betel nut, whole rice (akshat), durva grass, roli, kalawa, five or seven leaves of mango or ashoka, and a water-filled coconut. Additionally, red cloth or a chunri, flowers, fruits, betel leaves, cardamom, cloves, a ghee lamp, sweets, and puffed sugar (batasha) are also necessary for the puja.
On the first day of Navratri, wake up early, bathe, and wear clean clothes. Clean the worship area thoroughly, then place a red cloth on a wooden platform and set up the idol or image of Goddess Durga. Sprinkle Ganga water to purify the space and offer flowers, a chunri, and adornments to the goddess.
Next, fill the clay pot with clean soil and sow barley seeds in it. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and sprinkle a little water. Place the pot in the worship area and continue to water the barley daily throughout the nine days to encourage sprouting.
Now, tie a kalawa around the kalash and fill it with Ganga water and clean water. You can also add auspicious items like whole betel nut, a coin, akshat, and a piece of turmeric. Place five or seven leaves of mango or ashoka on top of the kalash, followed by the coconut. Position the kalash next to the barley pot and light a ghee lamp in front of Goddess Durga. Offer incense, flowers, fruits, and sweets, then chant mantras and perform the aarti.
In religious beliefs, barley symbolizes prosperity and a good harvest. Sowing barley during Navratri is associated with new beginnings and happiness. It is believed that healthy sprouting of barley is a positive omen.
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