1st day of Dashain festival :- Hinduism is one of the most vibrant religions with lots of festivals to enjoy with friends and families. One of the many Hindu celebrations observed by all the Hindus worldwide is the Dashain Festival. Followers of Hinduism worldwide celebrate this festival gloriously and are regarded as the Mother of all Hindu Festivals.
Dashain festival falls in September or October every year and is celebrated for 15 days continuously. According to the Nepali calendar, this festival starts on Kartik’s 1st and ends on the 15th of Kartik 2079 BS.
While as per English Calander, the Dashain festival begins from the 5th of October, 2022. It is celebrated for 15 days and each day of the festival indicates certain religious purposes. Hindus’ Hindus’ greatest festival, Dashain, is celebrated on the honor of the conquest of good over evil.
Nepal – Experience a True Landmark of Nature
Nepal is a beautiful country. It is also a country where you can find many exciting experiences. Nepal has the most diverse range of natural resources globally. It is considered a ‘Natural Wonder.’ Despite being a very rich and culturally varied country, Nepal is also a very beautiful place to visit, thanks to its unique landscape.
Apart from being a rich and ancient country, Nepal also has a very beautiful landscape, with Lumbini, Pokhara, Langtang, Mount Everest, Annapurna Circuit, and Janakpur all contributing to this. Nepal’s spectacular mountains exude a cosmopolitan feel, and holiday makers from around the world flock to the country each year to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this land. Mount Everest tops the list as the most popular Himalayan peak in terms of tourism, and with good reason.
A visit to Nepal’s high altitude mountains would not be complete without a visit to the picturesque Kathmandu valley. If you like to experience the feeling of an authentic Himalayan mountain town, then the Kathmandu valley is your place. This city has many beautiful places to see and visit, and many attractions that you can enjoy. Along with many other attractions, the Kathmandu valley is also home to several outstanding restaurants that serve a wide variety of food, especially local cuisine.
Along with this, you can also take your family to explore the rich flora and fauna of the Nepal. Nepal is rich in flora and fauna, and the variety of wildlife here is staggering. You can spend a day hiking along the beautiful valleys of the foothills and forests to enjoy a variety of wild animals and birds, or visit various waterfalls.
You can also go trekking to some of the world heritage sites, like Langtang, Annapurna, and Mt. Everest, which are considered the most beautiful in the world. If you want to experience the peace and tranquility of nature, you can hire a helicopter and explore the wildlife reserves.
If you do not have much time to spare during your trip to Nepal, you can opt for a Mount Everest visit, which is the highest peak in the world. It is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. The picturesque scenery is stunning, and the entire area is dotted with lush green hills, dense forests, gorges, waterfalls, and amazing geysers in Nepal. The best time to visit Mount Everest Base Camp is during the month of January, as the peak is mostly covered with snow, giving you the chance to enjoy the landscape in its best possible light.
The Nepal holidays can be a lot of fun. Still, if you want to experience the true essence of a holiday, you should make sure that you authentically plan your trip, as there are a few things that you should keep in mind, especially when planning your journey to Nepal. The country is quite famous for its culture and history, so if you do not want to be disappointed, you should pay a visit to these places before you travel.
Hindu Mythology – The Importance of the Hindu Goddess
Hinduism is an ancient religion that originated in India. It is very popular among Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and people of many other religions.
Hinduism has numerous gods, goddesses, and spirits, all of whom have a strong link to the divine. The Hindu scriptures and sutras explain these beings and their functions in nature. There is no single God or goddess for Hinduism.
Hindu deities are the epitome of Shakti or the feminine aspect of power within the world. They are highly revered and greatly feared and are a significant part of the creation and destruction of the world. In Hindu mythology, some Hindu gods and goddesses are closely associated with nature, but each one has its unique form of worship.
In Hinduism, a Hindu god is an incarnation of supreme divinity, such as a god-like entity. Some Hindu gods are described as being born from the earth, while others are said to be born from the sky, or even from the sea. Some of these gods are also said to be reincarnated from previous incarnations. Other Gods are also said to have the physical characteristics of humans, such as having human hair, eyes, skin, and other physical features.
Hindu Goddesses is the symbol of all the divine energies or powers in the world. Hindu Goddesses is extremely powerful and is often depicted in a feminine form. The Hindu Goddesses include Anjaneya, Bhaddiya, Ekangini, Garuda, Saraswati, Laxmi, Saraswati, Ambe, Kali, Parvati, Sita, Jagdamba, Suvarna, Veda, Yama, and Yashtimadhuk. The most popular Hindu Goddesses is Parvati, Durga, Laxmi, Sita, Kali, Saraswati etc.
Hindus believe that the Hindu gods and goddesses have a significant role to play in their lives. Hindu deities are supposed to protect the world and bring wealth, prosperity, health, happiness, peace, wealth, and abundance into it.
Hindus often use several Hindu Gods and goddesses to represent different aspects of their beliefs. The Hindu pantheon consists of Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, and Brahma’s consort, Sakti.
See Also: Which Goddess is worshiped on the very 1st Day Of Dashain festival?
Hindu deities have many aspects that are considered sacred and cannot be portrayed in any other way. The gods are depicted as being too compassionate, loving, and sympathetic towards all living things. In contrast, the Hindu goddesses are depicted as extremely powerful and possessive of male and female subjects and lesser importance subjects.
The concept of Shakti or energy is very important for Hinduism. In Hinduism, Shakti is considered the ‘the goddess of the five elements’ and strength are thinking the only thing that exists that cannot be created or destroyed. The energy that flows through the universe is considered to be very powerful. And so, all Hindus believe that they can control it and use it to their advantage by following certain practices and prayers.
Goddess Durga
In Hindu mythology, Durga is the most important goddess of all. Her original name was the Great Mother Goddess. She is also known as the Daughter of Heaven and Goddess of death and rebirth. To this day, she remains a popular deity in India and throughout Asia.
Durga Mata is revered because of her role as the destroyer of evil. She is represented by a cow that represents her ferocious strength and energy. This cow is adorned with jewels and jewelry, with horns and a tail to symbolize her incredible power and abilities.
As stated, Durga is the destroyer of evil. She destroys the demons of all kinds and is seen as a powerful symbol for Hinduism and other religions. Many people have taken to decorating their houses with cows and other animals to honor the goddess in recent years.
In recent times, people have begun to dress up as Durga. These women wear cow masks and garlands and are seen roaming about in temples. They use to dance thier folk dances wearing a mask. However, some Hindu sects believe that all animals are sacred.
In recent years, many Hindus have made Durga a goddess, and worship her as such. The deity has become even more popular in the India, Nepal and United States of America as well. Many temples and organizations have created worship spaces where the Goddess Durga can be worshipped. There are many places to buy or make statues of the goddess and to bring her to life for the home.
If you are interested in learning more about the power goddess, the Goddess mask, and the goddess of death, several websites can provide information about her history.
Why is the Dashain Festival celebrated?
Dashain is one of the festivals that is being celebrated in Nepal and India since the indefinite past. No evidence suggests the exact date as to when this festival started. However, as per the Hindu Mythology, the Dashain festival is celebrated to commemorate the epic battle between Goddess Durga and Devil Mahisasur.
The battle lasted for nine days, and on the tenth day, Goddess Durga claimed victory over the terrifying Devil. Hence, over the 15 days, this festival is celebrated as a symbol of “Good over Evil”. Goddess Durga and her different manifestations are worshipped.
Dashain is celebrated for 15 days, where each day has its unique importance and purpose. The first day of the Dashain festival is called Ghatasthapana.
1st Day Of Dashain Festival Is Called Ghatasthapana
Day 1: Ghatasthapana.
Ghatasthapana is the first day of the 15 days long Dashain Festival and is also one of the most important days. Ghatasthapana is the Sanskrit word where Ghata Means “vessel or Pot,” and Sthapana means “To establish.” The literal meaning of the world Ghatasthapana is “To establish a Pot.”
Ghatasthapan marks the start of the Dashain festival and usually falls in September or October month of Gregorian calendar. To be more specific, Ghatasthapana day falls on the first day after the no moon day (the bright fortnight) of Ashwin month of Bikram Samvat Calendar. On this 1st day of Dashain festival, the vessel or Kalash that symbolizes Goddess Durga Mata herself is placed on each household’s prayer room.
This pot or vessel made up on either clay or meter is then filled with holy water and is covered with cow dung. Seeds are poked on the cow dung to decorate the Kalash further. Over the following 10 days, the Kalash is kept on the worshipping room, allowing the seeds to grow to become 3-5 inches long and is called Jamara. On the 10th day, Vijaya Dashami, the jamara are used for celebrations purpose.
The day starts with cleaning the puja room. Every Hindu household has a room dedicated just for Pooja, where the Dashain festival’s rituals take place. The sand or clay collected from the holy river is then spread around in the room where the Kalash is placed. Sesame and barley seeds are then planted in the sand. Once the decorations and cleaning are complete, the rituals begin with priests or pundits prayers.
The priest chants the welcome mantra requesting goddess Durga to rest in the prayer room. The mantra that is narrated during the establishment of Ghata/Pot is “मम महामायाभगवती ( वा मायाधिपति भगवत ) प्रीतये ( आयुर्बलवित्तारोयसमादरादिप्राप्तये वा ) नवरात्रव्रतमहं करिष्ये.” Various types of food items and other colorful flowers are offered.
Similarly, a lamp is always lit in the prayer room, which is allowed to burn all day and night until the festival’s 10th day, also called Vijaya Dashami. Once the ghatasthapana rituals are over, the Chandi mantra is recited for Goddess Durga in the prayer room where the Kalash is placed for 10 days.
This Chandi mantra is recited by the family’s male members every morning and evening for 10 days. Unmarried women and boys whose Vratabanda has not been done are not allowed in the Ghatasthapana room.
See Also: When is the 1st Day Of Dashain festival of Nepal in this year 2022?
Jamara Plantation on Ghatasthapana
Planting Jamra is one of the most important aspects of the Dashain Festival. Jamara is the grass that emerges once the barley seeds germinate. On the first day of Dashain, Ghatasthapana, the barley seeds are sowed to produce the barley grass we call Jamara. However, things can go wrong, and the jamara may not become as required. Hence, below are the steps that one can follow to produce the perfect jamara.
1. The first step to making perfect jamara is to soak the corn in water one day before the Ghatasthapana. Overnight soaked corn germinate well.
2. On the Ghatasthapana spread the soil in the prayer room. Select the dark area of the room for jamara plantation. The direct sun rays or light does not let the barley germinate well.
3. Soak barley for around ten minutes in water and drain water from corn and barley.
4. Spread corn and barley over the soil and sprinkle water on top of the soil, barley, and corn.
5. For the following ten days, sprinkle water every day
6. On the tenth day, cut the Jamara using scissor or knife.
In this way, you can make the perfect Jamara for the Vijaya Dashami. Just remember that, if you want the ideal or well germinated Jamaras, do not store the Jamaras in the hot rooms. Always keep it in the cool or dry place to allow the barley and corn to grow well and produce yellow and beautiful Jamaras.
Since Ghatasthapana is the first day of the Dashain festival, it marks the beautiful celebration’s start. All Nepalese and Hindus around the world celebrate with lots of enthusiasm and love. Schools, colleges remain closed, which adds to the excitement level of everyone.
See Also: How to celebrate 1st Day Of Dashain festival of Nepal, Ghatasthapana in this year 2022?
It is the festival of fun and the perfect time for a family reunion. During the Dashain, family living apart, organize a feast, fly kites, and get involved in various entertainment activities. The fun, excitement, and sharing love starts from the first day of the Dashain, Ghatasthapana.
Is There a Meaning Behind the Symbol of Goddess Durga?
Goddess Durga has been worshiped since ancient Nepal and India for many centuries. Her image is an important part of Hindu culture as well as Hindu religion and tradition.
Goddess Durga was made to fight the evil demon king Mahishasura by Lord Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The three trinities of Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu came together to create a tremendous female form with ten heads. She was then given a humane way when Durga emerges from the sacred Ganges as a spiritual spirit.
It is believed that Goddess Durga is related to a certain godhead. She is believed to be part of a trinity of divine entities and is associated with the feminine and male aspects, and all that makes life beautiful. The concept of a cosmic balance was related to the idea of Goddess Durga.
The most popular belief about Goddess Durga is that she is a symbol of life. As a spiritual being, she has the potential to incarnate in human form. She is also associated with the goddesses of power. This is one reason why some Hindus consider her to be a goddess of power and prosperity.
It is believed that Goddess Durga is a symbol of strength and protection and is often referred to in stories and poems. She is considered to be the protector and defender of Hindus from foreign invasions and demons. According to Hindus’s mythology, Goddess Durga save the world from Mahishasura, and Durga punished Mahishasura by killing him.
Because of her Hindu culture role, many people prefer to use a symbol of Durga as a necklace or charm on their chains, bangles, and anklets. Some people also prefer to use the images of Durga on decorative items such as jewelry. Other people use the mythological meaning behind the symbol as a starting point and make jewelry out of it.
In many places, a symbol of Durga is used to mark a milestone in someone’s life. This could be a birthday, anniversary, or some other momentous occasion. Many people believe that these symbols are symbols of love. When people wear these charms, they have hope that their beloved will come back to them and help them overcome their trials and tribulations.
See Also: Rituals to Perform On the 1st Day Of Dashain festival of Nepal
The bead or bracelet’s color representing Goddess Durga will vary depending on the type of necklace or pendant that you choose to make. You can use several different colors to give an appealing look to your jewelry. If you want to make a necklace, you can select beads with a different color every time you place a charm on them.
These necklaces or bracelets can also be crafted with several different beads made of various metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and copper. Some people prefer to use yellow gold for a unique look, but if you want to make a bracelet, you can use different colors. When you are looking for an exciting way to say, “I am blessed, “I am protected,” “Jay Mata Di” “Jai Mata Ambe” you can always wear a necklace or bracelet that includes a necklace of the color of your choice.