How to Perform Ghatasthapana on the First Day of Sharadiya Navratri: Rituals, Auspicious Timing, and Essential Items
Discover the rituals and auspicious timings for Ghatasthapana on the first day of Sharadiya Navratri in New Delhi.
New Delhi, October 11 (Daily Kiran) : The Sharadiya Navratri festival, celebrated in honor of Goddess Durga, holds significant importance for devotees. During these nine days, worshippers honor the nine forms of the goddess, seeking prosperity, peace, and happiness in their homes. The festival kicks off with Ghatasthapana, the ceremonial installation of the kalash, which brings positive energy into the household.
This year, Sharadiya Navratri begins on October 11, a Sunday. The auspicious time for performing the kalash installation is from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. Additionally, the Abhijit Muhurat falls between 11:44 AM and 12:31 PM, marking the start of worship and religious rituals that will continue for nine days.
To perform the kalash installation, gather the following items: a wide-mouthed earthen pot, clean soil, barley, a kalash, Ganga water, pure water, a coin, betel nut, whole rice (akshat), durva grass, roli, kalava, five or seven leaves of mango or Ashoka, and a water-filled coconut. Other essentials include a red cloth or chunari, flowers, fruits, betel leaves, cardamom, cloves, a ghee lamp, sweets, and puffed sugar.
On the first day of Navratri, rise early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. Thoroughly clean the worship area. Spread a red cloth on a wooden platform and place the idol or picture of Goddess Durga. Sprinkle Ganga water to purify the space, then offer flowers, a chunari, and adornments to the goddess.
Next, fill the earthen pot with clean soil and sow barley seeds. Cover them lightly with soil and sprinkle a little water. Place the pot in the worship area. Throughout the nine days of Navratri, keep watering the barley to encourage sprouting.
Tie a kalava around the kalash and fill it with Ganga water and clean water. You may also add auspicious items such as whole betel nuts, a coin, akshat, and a turmeric root. Place five or seven leaves of mango or Ashoka on top of the kalash, followed by a coconut. Position the kalash next to the pot of barley and light a ghee lamp in front of Goddess Durga. Offer incense, flowers, fruits, and sweets while chanting mantras and performing the aarti.
In religious beliefs, barley symbolizes prosperity and good harvests. Sowing barley during Navratri is associated with new beginnings and well-being. It is believed that healthy sprouting of barley is an auspicious sign.
