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Nepal observes Ghatasthapana to mark start of Dashain festival
The ten-day Hindu festival of Vijaya Dashami, also known as Bada Dashain, has commenced in Nepal. The first day, Ghatasthapana, was observed on Sunday, marking the beginning of the festival according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
During Ghatasthapana, devotees worship the deity Shailaputri, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. A key ritual involves sowing barley seeds in a mud jar filled with sand and clay to grow Jamara, which is used in ceremonies on the tenth day of the festival.
In the Kathmandu Valley, temples and shrines, including Maitidevi and Naxal Bhagwati, have been decorated with colorful lights to mark the festive season. These decorations have led to increased evening attendance by worshippers and visitors. To observe the national festival, government offices in Nepal are closed for one week, and educational institutions are closed for nearly two weeks.
Entities
Goddess Durga · Kathmandu Valley · Maitidevi Temple · Nepal · Ramesh Khadgi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] On the first day of the festival, devotees worship the deity Shailaputri. www.news18.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Evening attendance at the Maitidevi Temple has increased during the festival season. peoplesreview.com.np
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The first day involves sowing barley seeds in a mud jar to grow Jamara. www.news18.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lighting and orderly premises at Maitidevi Temple have enhanced its appearance and facilitated worship. peoplesreview.com.np
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The ten-day Vijaya Dashami festival began in Nepal on Sunday with the observance of Ghatasthapana. www.news18.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Government offices in Nepal are closed for one week and educational institutions for nearly two weeks for the festival. www.news18.com