The Sharadiya Navratri begins on September 21 and ends on September 29 this year. It is that time of the year when devotees joyfully make preparations for Maa Durga’s arrival. 


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The Navratri puja and celebrations begin with Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana. Ghatasthapana is a ritual that symbolises feminine power.


It is assembled using a number of Puja items that are symbolic and holy. Here’s how it is put together:


A shallow pan like utensil with a wide mouth made of clay is often used as the base. Three layers of each of mud and seeds of Sapta Dhanya / Navadhanya (seven or nine different grains) are scattered in the pan. Sprinkle water so that the seeds get enough moisture to thrive and germinate.


A Kalash (made of brass/copper or silver) smaller than the mouth of the claypan is filled with Ganga Jal or normal clean water. A few currency coins, supari, Akshat (Raw rice mixed with turmeric powder) and Durva grass are put in the water. Then five leaves of the mango tree are placed around the neck of the Kalash. And finally, the neck of the Kalash is covered by placing a coconut with its fibre protruding upward. Some people put raw rice, coins, dried turmeric fruit and kumkum in the Kalash instead of water.


This Kalash is then kept right in the middle of the pan with the mud and Navadhanya.


Then a Haldi-kumkum tika is put on the Kalash.


You can even cover the Kalash with a fresh piece of coloured cloth and put a small garland around it.


Once the Ghata is prepared, place it in your Puja room on a wooden platform. Then you need to invoke Goddess Durga in the Kalash and thus invite her to your home to accept your offerings and prayers.


After invoking the Goddess (which is similar to Prana Pratishthan), you need to perform the Panchopachara Puja wherein you would be required to greet her with chandan, flowers, incense, an oil lamp and fruits or Prasad.


Check out the Ghatasthapana Timings here:


According to Drikpanchang.com, Ghatasthapana Muhurta begins at 06:13 AM to 08:10 AM.


Pratipada Tithi Begins at 10:59 AM on September 20 and ends at 10:34 AM on September 21.