KATHMANDU, Sept 26: The first day of "Navratri" is being marked today by worshiping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination. 

Deity Shailaputri is worshiped for observing Ghatasthapana on the auspicious hour. The auspicious hour for observing Ghatasthapana was 10:23 AM today, according to the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee. Deity Shailaputri is one of the nine deities worshiped in Navratri. 

Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today. Germination of the auspicious ‘Jamara’ is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.

With the marking of Ghatasthapana, celebrations and worship take place in the Shaktipeeth across the country including in the Kathmandu Valley. Likewise, there is also a tradition of sacrificing animals while initiating the germination of the ‘Jamara’.

(RSS)

 
• Ghatasthapana
 
• Navratri
 
• Jamara