Ghatasthapana is an important ritual during Navratri. It literally means installing a pot which symbolizes Goddess Shakti. A Pot with image of Goddess Durga embossed on the side of it is place in the Puja room. The pot is placed on a bed of sand. This is performed on the first day of Navratri especially during Vasant Navratri in North India .
The pot is filled with mud and sprinkled with cow dung. Barley seeds are sown in it. Some people also sow barley seeds on the bed on which the pot is placed. The Ghata (Pot) is installed at the auspicious time of the first day of the Navratri. It is believed Goddess Shakti blesses the Pot with her presence.
The pot is sprinkled with water on all the nine days. Pujas and other rituals are performed.
At the end of the ninth day, the barley shoots will reach a height of 2 to 3 inches and its then pulled out and distributed.
Ghatasthapana is an important ritual during Navratri and Durga Puja (September – October) and also at the same period during Dashain in Nepal
Symbolically the pot represents fertility - prosperity and fullness. It also symbolises and hope of the people.
Symbolically the pot represents fertility - prosperity and fullness. It also symbolises and hope of the people.