Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals that is celebrated at the beginning of the winter season in India. Also known as Sharad Navaratri, this festival is celebrated across nine days and commemorates the nine different avatars of Goddess Shakti. Navratri 2023 will be celebrated from October 15 and will go on till October 24. On the first day of Navaratri, the celebrations begin with the auspicious Ghatasthapana Puja. Ghatasthapana is the invocation of Goddess Shakti that is done to mark the beginning of Navratri 2023. As we prepare to celebrate Sharad Navratri 2023, here is everything you need to know about Ghatasthapana Puja, Ghatasthapana 2023 Shubh Muhurat and how to perform the Ghatasthapana Puja. Navratri Ghatasthapana 2023 Rangoli Designs: Easy and Beautiful Rangoli Patterns To Decorate Your House This Sharad Navaratri (Watch Videos).

When is Ghatasthapana Puja for Navratri 2023?

Ghatasthapana Puja is conducted on the first day of Navratri. Ghatasthapana Puja 2023 will, therefore, be marked on October 15. Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin on the day after Mahalaya Amavasya. The Pratipada Tithi for Sharad Navratri 2023 Begins at 23:24 on October 14, 2023, and will go on till 00:32 on Oct 16, 2023. Since sunrise during Pratipada tithi will occur on October 15, that is Day 1 of Navratri 2023.

Ghatasthapana Puja 2023 Muhurat

As per Drik Panchang, Ghatasthapana Puja 2023 muhurat is 11:13 to 12:00 on October 15.

Significance of Ghatasthapana

The celebration of Navratri is observed in different ways in different parts of the country. However, in most regions that celebrate the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, a clay pot is placed in a clean and auspicious location, and Goddess Shakti is believed to be invoked into this pot. This process is known as Ghatasthapana. It is very important that devotees perform the Ghatasthapana process during the auspicious time. According to the Hindu scriptures, invoking Goddess Shakti at the wrong time can invoke wrath on earth. It is especially not advised to perform Ghatasthapana during Amavasya tithi.

Ghatasthapana Puja Items

To perform Ghatasthapana, there are a few important items that need to be spruced. The Ghatasthapana items include Wide and open Clay Pot to sow Sapta Dhanya, Clean Soil to sow Sapta Dhanya, Sapta Dhanya or seeds of seven different grains, Small clay or brass Pitcher, Sacred water to fill the Kalash or Ganga Jal, Sacred thread / Moli / Kalaya, Scent (perfume), Supari (betel nuts), Coins to put into the Kalash, 5 leaves of Ashoka or Mango tree, A Lid to cover the Kalash, Raw Rice or unbroken rice known as Akshat (अक्षत) to put in the lid, Unpeeled Coconut, Red Cloth to warp coconut, Flowers and Garland preferably marigold and Durva grass.

Ghatasthapana Puja Vidhi

After collecting all these items together, there are three main steps of performing the Ghatasthapana. The wide clay pot is first made into a kalash with layers of soil and grain. A sacred thread is then tied to the neck of the Kalash as water is filled in it. The Supari, scent, dhruva and coins and then placed into the water. After this, the Kalash is covered, and 5 Ashoka Leaves are kept at the edges, between the Kalash and its lid. The last and final step is to place the unpeeled coconut on top of this Kalash.

Navratri 2023: Dates, Ghatasthapana Shubh Muhurat Of The Nine-Day Festival Dedicated To Maa Durga

This auspicious Kalash is then revered for the following 9-days with utmost devotion. We hope that the celebration of Navratri 2023 helps add to the love, light and happiness in your life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 15, 2023 11:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).