• Source:JND

The auspicious 9-day festival of Chaitra Navratri will begin on 9th April 2024 and culminate on 17th April 2024. On this day, Hindu devotees worship Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations. Chaitra Navratri is observed with Ghatasthpana on the first day and Ram Navami on the last. Ghatasthapana is also known as Kalash Sthapana. This ceremony marks the first day of the nine-day Chaitra Navratri festival. This year, Kalash Sthapana will be marked on 9th April 2024. 

Chaitra Navratri 2024: Ghatsthapana Date And Shubh Muhurat 

- Pratipada Tithi Begins - 11:50 PM, 8th April 2024

- Pratipada Tithi Ends - 08:30 PM, 9th April 2024 

- Ghatsthapana Muhurat - 05:33 AM - 09:43 AM, 9th April 2024 

- Ghatsthapana Abhijit Muhurat - 11:23 AM - 12:13 PM 

- Vaidhrti Yog Begins -  6:14 PM, 8th April 2024

- Vaidhrti Yog Ends -  2:18 PM, 9th April 2024 


The ritual of Kalash Sthapana marks the beginning of the 9-day Navratri festivities. (Image Source: Canva)

Chaitra Navratri 2024: Significance Of Kalash Sthapana Or Ghatsthapana 

The metal pot, or Kalash, represents several concepts. Both the soil and the womb, which are recognised for nurturing life, are thought to be reservoirs of fertility. Mango leaves indicate the pleasurable aspect of fecundity and are said to symbolise Kama, the goddess of love. The coconut is a representation of power and wealth. Without the Kalash sthapana, Navratri wouldn't be complete. It is believed to bring luck and positivity. 

Chaitra Navratri 2024: Rituals Of Kalash Sthapana Or Ghatsthapana 

- Devotees must get up early and take a bath. They must first clean the home's temple altar and the place where the Kalash will be placed.

- Only perform the Kalash thapana at a shubh muhurat (auspicious times). 

- Place a crimson cloth on the wooden platform, then cover it with some akshat (raw, entire rice) while reciting mantras.

- Gather some topsoil, form an altar out of it, place the barley seeds inside, place the Kalash on top of the soil, and then moisten it with water. Make a swastika with the vermillion paste and tie a holy thread around the Kalash's neck.

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- Keep some coins, betelnuts, and mango leaves in the Kalash. Tie a coconut with a holy thread and a red Chunari. Over the Kalash, place this coconut and offer prayers to the goddess Durga. 

- Offer some flowers to the goddess at the culmination of the sthapana. 

 

(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)