KATHMANDU: The great Hindu festival of Dashain has begun today (Monday).

The first day is being marked by worshipping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination.

Prayers are also offered to Durga Bhavani, the goddess of power, today. Germination of the auspicious “Jamara” is also initiated at Hanumandhoka Dashain Ghar in accordance with Vedic rituals.

The auspicious time for observing Ghatasthapana this year is at 9:13 am today.

Nepalis worship a sacred Diyo (oil-fed lamp), Kalash (water-filled brass utensil) and Lord Ganesh with Vedic rituals today.

People collect fine sand, mud, and cow dunk to sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil on this day of Ghatasthapana for germination of the auspicious Jamara, which is used on the day of Dashain.