Ghatasthapana Marks the Start of Chaitra Dashain, Auspicious Time at 7:51 AM

March 19, Kathmandu – On the occasion of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, the Navaratri festival of Chaitra begins today. As part of the celebrations, the ritual of Ghatasthapana is being conducted with proper rites at Hanuman Dhoka Palace, where devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

Laxman Panthi, Executive Director of the Nepal Panchang Nirnayak Bikash Samiti, stated that the most auspicious time (Shubha Samay) for Ghatasthapana today is 7:51 AM. He also mentioned that the ritual should be performed facing north, as per the prescribed timing.

During this time, temples dedicated to the Goddess and Shaktipeeths across the country experience a large influx of devotees engaged in worship and various religious activities. According to traditional scriptures, four Navaratris are observed throughout the year.

These occur during the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon phase) of Ashad, Ashwin, Poush, and Magh months. Within Nepali tradition, the Navaratris observed in Ashad and Poush Shukla Paksha are referred to as “Lupta Navaratri” (the lost or less celebrated Navaratris).

– From Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)