The Navratri festival celebrated during the lunar month of Ashwin is known as the Shardiya Navratri. This year the nine day festival starts on October 15, 2023 and will go till October 23, 2023.
In these nine days, the nine forms of Adi Shakti are worshiped. These are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra will be celebrated on October 24, 2023.
See also: All about the Navratri Golu
Ghatasthapana: Shubh muhurat
The Ghatasthapana, a ritual to invoke Goddess Shakti is done on the first day of Navratri- October 15, 2023.
Shubh muhurat timings
As per the Drik Panchang, the shubh muhurat falls during the first part of the day when the Prathipada Tithi / Abhijit Muhurat is prevalent. The Shubh Muhurat falls between 11:38 AM to 12:23 PM.
As per the Drik Panchang, the shubh muhurat falls during the first part of the day when the Prathipada Tithi / Abhijit Muhurat is prevalent. Note that it is believed that performing the Ghatasthapana at the wrong time is not right. You also cannot perform this ritual during the day or on Amavasya.
Samagri for Ghatasthapana
- Navadhanya- Barley, Wheat, Corn, Mustard
- Incense sticks
- Turmeric or Haldi
- Flowers
- Sugar
- Panchmeva
- Coconut
- Sand
- Clay
- Betel leaves
- Cloves
- Bel patra
- Amrapatra
- Mata Durga photo
- Kalash
- Milk
- Fruits
- Sweets
Ghatasthapana: The process
- The Ghatastapana begins with placing a pot in a marked place according to positive directions in the house. Inside that you have to place the Akand Jyot or Akand lamp that will be lit for nine days.
- Take a vessel with mud and put the Navadhanya seeds in it and add water.
- Place a Kalash that has coins, supari, raw rice, turmeric powder and is filled with water of the Ganges. Cover the Kalash with five mango leaves and a coconut.
- Place the Shakti’s photo and offer flowers. Offer the bhog of different fruits, sweets etc.
Offerings to Maa Durga during Navratri
| Day | Offering |
| Pratipada | Cow ghee |
| Dwitiya | Sugar |
| Tritiya | Milk |
| Chaturthi | Malpua |
| Panchami | Banana |
| Shashthi | Honey |
| Maha Saptami | Jaggery |
| Maha Ashtami | Coconut |
| Maha Navami | Gram and Halwa |
FAQs
What to do in Ghatasthapana?
Ghatasthapana is the process to invoke goddess Shakti during the first day of Navratri.
How to prepare for Ghatasthapana?
In the sand that is brought from the river banks, sow the Navdanya and water it twice a day. The seeds sprout and are called Jamara.
What is the significance of Ghatasthapana in Navratri?
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of the nine day festivities.
Which is the colour for the first day of Navratri in 2023?
Orange is the colour for the first day of Navratri in 2023.
When is the Dusshera celebrated in 2023?
Dussehra falls on October 24, 2023.
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