Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals observed with great fervour across the country, is here. This year, the festival will be celebrated from October 3 to October 12. The nine-day festivities mark the celebration of the triumph of good versus evil. The Navratri festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and it is a celebration of her victory over demon king Mahishasura.
The nine-day festivities start with Ghatasthapana rituals on the first day. The devotees come together on this day to worship Maa Durga in her nine forms, commonly referred to as the ‘Navdurga’. Each day of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to one incarnation of Goddess Durga.
The festival will culminate with the celebration of Dussehra or Vijayadashmi, which represents the victory of good over evil.
On the first day of Shardiya Navratri, the Ghatasthapana, or Kalash Sthapana, ritual marks the beginning of the worshipping of Maa Durga in her nine incarnations each day.
Ghatasthapana Date And Shubh Muhurat
Ghatasthapana is an important ritual. It is the initiation of the nine-day fasting for devotees who follow a devout spiritual path during this auspicious period.
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Ghatasthapana is not allowed during Amavasya or at night. The most auspicious or Shubh period to perform Ghatasthapana is the first one-third of the day when Pratipada is dominant. Ghatasthapana rituals are conducted on the first day of Navratri, the Pratipada Tithi. This is the next day of the Mahalaya Amavasya.
As per Drik Panchang, the Ghatasthapana Muhurat will fall on Pratipada Tithiduring Dvi-Svabhava Kanya Lagna. The Pratipada Tithi will begin at 12:18 PM on October 3, 2024, and end at 2:58 PM on October 04, 2024.
Navratri 2024 Ghatasthapana Date And Time
- Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:30 AM to 7:31 AM
- Duration: 01 Hour 02 Mins
- Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat: 12:03 PM to 12:51 PM
- Duration: 00 Hours 48 Mins
Ghatasthapana: Puja Rituals
Devotees honour the Goddess by fasting, praying and performing holy rituals during this period. Ghatasthapana marks the invocation of Goddess Durga at the holy spot of the house. On this day, a Kalash (holy pot) is placed at the most auspicious corner or the worshiping place of the house.
Devotees begin the puja with invocation of Goddess Durga, who is believed to stay at the Ghatasthapana place for the next nine days. The devotees chant the hymns and verses to welcome Goddess Durga.
Ghatasthapana: Puja Samagri
Ghatasthapana requires the following samagri:
- Incense
- Barley
- Honeycombs
- Sugar
- Panchmeva
- Mace
- Saffron
- Turmeric bales
- Flowers
- Coconut
- Sand
- Clay
- Betel leaves
- Cloves
- Bel leaves
- Mango leaves
- A photo or an idol of Maa Durga
- Turmeric
- Kalash
- Milk
- Fruits
- Sweets
- Mustard
In the Ghatasthapana area, devotees light earthen lamps. Additionally, it is suggested that you recite Maa Durga’s mantra while lighting a lamp each day of the celebration.
Ghatasthapana 2024: Significance
It is a significant Navratri ritual that marks the start of the nine-day celebrations. The ritual is important for devotees who keep fast during the nine days of Navratri. They follow a restricted lifestyle and eat only satwik food once a day for these nine days. The Ghatasthapana is the initiation of the devotees for all spiritual practices during Navratri.
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