Chaitra Navratri 2025: Ghatasthapana Rituals, Precautions, and Materials:

Every year, Chaitra Navratri begins from the Pratipada date of the Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month and concludes on the Navami date, which coincides with the celebration of Ram Navami. The 9 days of Navratri are dedicated to worshiping the 9 forms of Adi Shakti Maa Durga, with devotees observing fasts and performing special prayers. This year, Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 30, with Ghatasthapana taking place on the same day.

The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is from 6:13 am to 10:21 am, while the Abhijit Muhurta for the ceremony will be between 12:00 pm and 12:50 pm.

Essential Materials for Ghatasthapana

To perform Ghatasthapana correctly, several items are required, which hold significance in the ritual:

Mango leaves
Rice
Red Kalava (thread)
Sandalwood
Coconut
Camphor
Barley
Gulal (color powder)
Cloves
Cardamom
5 Betel leaves and Betel nut
Fruits
Makeup items (for the Kalash)
Seat (for Kalash installation)
Lotus seed
Earthen pot for Kalash installation
Grains
Holy soil
Copper pot
Ganga water
Ashoka or Mango leaves
Red cloth
Flowers
Mauli (sacred thread)
Roli (sacred red powder)

Precautions to Follow While Performing Ghatasthapana

To ensure that the Kalash Sthapana is done properly, and to avoid any missteps that could affect the rituals, take note of the following precautions:

Perform Ghatasthapana at the Right Time:
The Kalash Sthapana should be done either in the morning or during the Abhijit Muhurta. It is considered inauspicious to perform the ceremony in the afternoon or at night.

Avoid Impure Soil and Water:
Only use clean soil and pure water in the Kalash. Impurity can lead to an incomplete ritual.

Do Not Move the Kalash:
After performing the Ghatasthapana, ensure the Kalash remains undisturbed for 9 days. Moving it could disrupt the sacredness of the ritual.

Choose the Right Direction and Location:
Perform the Ghatasthapana in the correct direction after purifying the space. Avoid performing it at an impure location.

Avoid Damaged or Broken Pot:
The earthen pot should be intact and undamaged. It is essential to take care that the soil and water used are not impure.

Do Not Place the Ghat Near Toilets or Bathrooms:
Setting up the Kalash near toilets or bathrooms is considered a grave mistake and should be strictly avoided.

Maintain Purity:
Ensure that your hands are pure when touching the Kalash. Purity is crucial for the proper performance of the ritual.

Do Not Leave the House Empty:
After installing the Ghat, ensure the house is not left vacant. It is believed that this could negatively impact the ritual.

Maintain the Eternal Flame:
Keep enough oil and ghee to ensure the eternal flame stays lit. A glass enclosure around the flame can help prevent it from going out.

Conclude with the Flowing of the Kalash:
After the 9 days of Navratri, the Kalash should be flowed in a river in a proper and respectful manner to complete the ritual.