Ghatasthapana 2023: Date & Time Schedule

The festival of Ghatasthapana, also known as Navratri or Durga Puja, is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India and Nepal. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of Hindus around the world. In 2023, Ghatasthapana is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 19th September.

Significance of Ghatasthapana

Ghatasthapana holds immense significance in Hindu mythology and is believed to mark the auspicious beginning of the Navratri festival. It is said that during this period, the goddess Durga descends on earth to bless her devotees with strength, prosperity, and happiness. The word “Ghatasthapana” itself means establishing a pot, symbolizing the new beginning and invocation of divine energy.

Ghatasthapana Rituals

• Choosing an Auspicious Time: The most auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is determined based on the position of the stars and planets. It is essential to choose an astrologically favorable time to commence the rituals.
• Preparing the Kalash: A brass or earthen pot (Kalash) is filled with holy water and adorned with mango leaves, coconut, and red cloth. The Kalash symbolizes the presence of the deity.
• Creating the Mandala: A small wooden platform or area is cleansed and decorated with rangoli or sandalwood paste. The goddess is invoked into the Mandala.
• Sowing Barley Seeds: Barley seeds are sown in the Mandala as a symbol of fertility and abundance.
• Offerings and Prayers: Devotees offer flowers, incense, fruits, and sweets to the goddess and recite prayers and mantras seeking her blessings.

Importance of specific ingredients:

• Mango Leaves: Symbolize prosperity and fertility.
• Coconut: Represents the divine consciousness and purity.
• Red Cloth: Signifies the goddess’s power and protection.
• Barley Seeds: Symbolize new beginnings and growth.

Celebrating Navratri

After Ghatasthapana, the nine days of Navratri are dedicated to worshiping different forms of the goddess Durga. Each day is associated with a specific manifestation of the goddess and has its unique significance. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, sing bhajans, and participate in cultural events during this period.

Ghatasthapana in Different Regions

While Ghatasthapana is celebrated with great fervor across India and Nepal, the customs and traditions may vary from region to region. In some areas, people also perform Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshiped as manifestations of the goddess Durga.

FAQs about Ghatasthapana:

1. What is the significance of Ghatasthapana?

2. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the auspicious Navratri festival and is believed to invoke the presence of the goddess Durga for blessings.

3. Can Ghatasthapana be done at any time of the day?

4. It is advisable to perform Ghatasthapana during the most auspicious time determined by astrological factors.

5. Is Ghatasthapana only celebrated in India and Nepal?

6. Ghatasthapana is primarily celebrated in India and Nepal but is also observed by Hindu communities around the world.

7. What are the main rituals of Ghatasthapana?

8. The main rituals include preparing the Kalash, creating the Mandala, sowing barley seeds, making offerings, and reciting prayers.

9. Why are specific ingredients like mango leaves and coconut used in Ghatasthapana?

10. Each ingredient has symbolic significance representing fertility, prosperity, purity, and divine consciousness.

Ghatasthapana is a time of joy, devotion, and spiritual growth for millions of Hindus worldwide. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine. By observing the rituals with sincerity and dedication, devotees seek the blessings of the goddess Durga for protection, prosperity, and well-being throughout the year.