KATHMANDU, Sept 26: The first day of "Navratri" is being marked today by preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination. Similarly, on the occasion of Ghatasthapana, the first day of the festival, jamara was placed in Hanuman Dhoka’s Dashain Ghar by holding a special ceremony on Monday.
In Dashain Ghar, after Ghatasthapana, daily sacrifices are offered and ritualistic worship is performed. This year, too, on the day of Mahanavami, 54 goats and 54 buffalos will be sacrificed at Hanuman Dhoka.
Jamara placed in Hanuman Dhoka Dashain Ghar (With Pictures)
Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power, today. With the marking of Ghatasthapana, celebrations and worship take place in the Shaktipeeths across the country including in the Kathmandu Valley.
Here are some pictures taken by Republica photojournalist Prasan Gurung at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square on Monday:
