Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of the festival of Bada Dashain or Bijaya Dashami, the greatest festival of Hindus of Nepal, is being observed across the country.
The first day of Bada Dashain festival falls on Aswin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright half of the lunar calendar in the month of Aswin.
On the day of Ghatasthapana, all Nepalese worship Diyo (an oil-fed lamp), Kalas (auspicious jar) and lord Ganesh in accordance with Vedic rituals and sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination of the auspicious Jamara (barley shoots).
Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power today.
Germination of the auspicious "Jamara" is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dasain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals. There is also a tradition of sacrificing animals while initiating the germination of the "Jamara". nepalnews.com Sep 30 08
