Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals that is celebrated over nine nights in honour of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navadurga. The festival holds deep spiritual and cultural importance across India and is celebrated with great devotion. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, symbolising various qualities like power, protection, knowledge, and prosperity. One of the main rituals of Navratri is Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana which marks the beginning of Navratri. It is a ritual of invoking Goddess Durga into a sacred pot (Kalash) and is performed on the first day of Navratri. Ghatasthapana 2024 during Navratri falls on Thursday, October 3. The Ghatasthapana Muhurat will be from 06:30 AM to 07:31 AM on October 3 i.e. the Shubh Muhurat will last for 1 hour and 2 minutes.

Ghatasthapana Dos and Don’ts

The Ghatasthapana rituals hold great significance in Hinduism and as per scriptures, the day has well-defined rules and guidelines to perform. Take a look at the dos and don’ts that you must follow during Kalash Sthapana Puja on the first day of Navaratri 2024. 

Ghatasthapana Dos

  • The Ghatasthapana ritual should be performed at the shubh muhurat only which is at the beginning of Navratri.

  • Clean the space where the Kalash will be placed. It is believed that the goddess resides in a clean environment. You can purify the space with Ganga Jal or water mixed with turmeric.

  • Ensure regular worship and offering to the Kalash throughout Navratri. You can offer flowers, kumkum, and light a diya daily in front of the Kalash.

  • The most auspicious period to do Ghatasthapana is during the first one-third of the day while Pratipada is prevailing. So, make sure the rituals are conducted during this time.

Ghatasthapana Don’ts

  • Don’t carry out the Ghatasthapana rituals at the wrong time. Ghatasthapana is the invocation of Goddess Shakti and doing it wrong time, might bring the wrath of the Goddess Shakti.

  • Ghatasthapana is prohibited during Amavasya and night time.

  • No Cutting of Hair or Nails as it is believed that cutting hair or nails during Navratri displeases the goddess13.

  • Don’t perform Ghatasthapana during Amavasya (New Moon) or in Rahu Kaal, as these times are considered unfavourable.

  • The ritual should not be performed in a place that is dirty or cluttered. The surroundings must be clean, peaceful, and free of negativity.

  • During Navratri, avoid consuming meat, alcohol, and certain foods like onions and garlic, to maintain sanctity during the festival.

During the nine days of Sharad Navratri, the nine forms of Goddess Durga including Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri are worshipped with great devotion.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 02, 2024 08:56 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).