KATHMANDU, Oct 7: Ghatasthapana, the first day of Dashain, is being observed by Hindus across the country today. 

With this, the festival has officially begun and will conclude on Kojagrat Purnima. Ghatasthapana falls on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the Nepali month of Asoj or Kartik.

On this day, Hindu Nepalis sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination of the auspicious ‘Jamara’ (barley shoots). Similarly, they also worship Diyo (an oil-fed lamp), Kalash (auspicious jar) and lord Ganesh in accordance with the Vedic rituals.

Here are some pictures taken by Republica Photojournalist Dipesh Shrestha at Basantapur Durbar Square on Thursday: 

 
• Ghatasthapana
 
• Dashain
 
• Jamara