The nine-day festival of Navratri is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. During these nine days, special worship of Goddess Durga takes place, with households installing a sacred pot (kalash) and pandals showcasing idols of Goddess Durga. In regions like West Bengal, where it is celebrated as Durga Puja, while in Gujarat, the focus is on kalash installation and the celebration of Garba. Sharadiya Navratri 2023 begins on the first day of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashwin month.
Kalashsthapana Or Ghatasthapana:
Ghatasthapana holds great significance during Navratri, as it marks the commencement of the nine-day festivities. Our scriptures provide clear guidelines for performing Ghatasthapana during a specific time frame at the beginning of Navratri. It’s crucial to adhere to these rules, as performing Ghatasthapana incorrectly may incur the displeasure of Goddess Shakti. It’s important to note that Ghatasthapana should not be conducted during Amavasya or nighttime.
The most auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is during the first one-third of the day while Pratipada is in effect. If, for any reason, this time is unavailable, Ghatasthapana can be performed during the Abhijit Muhurta. While it is advisable to avoid Nakshatra Chitra and Vaidhriti Yoga during Ghatasthapana, they are not strictly prohibited. The key consideration is that Ghatasthapana should be completed before noon according to Hindu timekeeping, while Pratipada is still prevailing.
Shardiya Navratri 2023: Kalash Sthapana Date
As per Drik Panchang, Ashwina Ghatasthapana on Sunday, October 15, 2023
- Ghatasthapana Muhurat – 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM
- Duration – 00 Hours 46 Mins
Ghatasthapana Muhurat is fixed during Abhijit Muhurat and falls on Pratipada Tithi during prohibited Chitra Nakshatra
- Pratipada Tithi Begins – 11:24 PM on Oct 14, 2023
- Pratipada Tithi Ends – 12:32 AM on Oct 16, 2023
- Chitra Nakshatra Begins – 04:24 PM on Oct 14, 2023
- Chitra Nakshatra Ends – 06:13 PM on Oct 15, 2023
- Vaidhriti Yoga Begins – 10:25 AM on Oct 14, 2023
- Vaidhriti Yoga Ends – 10:25 AM on Oct 15, 2023
Shardiya Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15th, 2023, and end on October 24th, 2023. It is a nine-day celebration dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.