Chaitra Navaratri Begins Today with Ghatasthapana Rituals at Hanuman Dhoka

Kathmandu. Today marks the beginning of the nine-day Chaitra Navaratri festival, commencing on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. On the occasion of Chaitra Navaratri, the Ghatasthapana ritual is being performed at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, where the Navadurga goddess is being worshipped according to established procedures.

Laxman Panthi, Executive Director of the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti, informed that the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana of the Chaitra Navaratri today was 7:51 AM. He also mentioned that the prescribed time for performing Ghatasthapana today requires facing north.

On this occasion, devotees line up for worship and devotion at goddess temples and Shakti Peeths across the country. According to classical rules, there are four Navaratris in a year. These are observed during Ashadh Shukla Paksha, Ashwin Shukla Paksha, Paush Shukla Paksha, and Magh Shukla Paksha. In Nepali tradition, the Navaratris of Ashadh and Paush Shukla Paksha are also referred to as 'Lupta Navaratra' (hidden Navaratris).