Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana Date: Muhurat, Samagri and Puja Vidhi

Ghatasthapana is one of the most important rituals marking the beginning of Navratri. It signifies the invocation of Goddess Shakti, setting the foundation for nine days of devotion, fasting, and prayers. Chaitra Navratri, like Shardiya Navratri, follows similar customs and rituals, with Ghatasthapana being a crucial part of the celebrations.

Performing Ghatasthapana at the right time is essential, as per Hindu scriptures. A miscalculation in timing could invite negative consequences, as the ritual is directly associated with the energy and blessings of Goddess Durga. To ensure its success, Ghatasthapana must be conducted within the prescribed Muhurat, avoiding inauspicious timings such as Amavasya and nighttime.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana Date & Time 

Note: Ghatasthapana Muhurta falls on Pratipada Tithi

The ideal time for Ghatasthapana is during the first one-third of the day, as long as Pratipada Tithi is prevailing. If this time is not available, the ritual can also be performed during Abhijit Muhurat, a highly auspicious period in Vedic astrology. While Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga should ideally be avoided, they are not strictly prohibited. However, Ghatasthapana must always be completed before Hindu midday while Pratipada is in effect.

Essential Samagri (Items) for Ghatasthapana

To perform Ghatasthapana, the following items are required:

1. Kalash (Sacred Pot): A brass, copper, or clay pot filled with holy water.


2. Mango Leaves: Placed atop the Kalash for divine blessings.


3. Coconut: Wrapped in a red cloth and placed over the Kalash.


4. Unpeeled Barley (Jau): Sown in a clay pot as a symbol of prosperity.


5. Red Cloth: Used for decorating the puja space and Kalash.


6. Rice and Betel Nuts: Offerings made during the puja.


7. Turmeric, Kumkum, and Sandalwood Paste: Used for tilak and puja rituals.


8. Flowers and Incense Sticks: To enhance the spiritual ambiance.


9. Panchamrit (Milk, Honey, Ghee, Yogurt, and Sugar): For offering to the Goddess.


10. Diya (Oil Lamp): Lit throughout Navratri as a symbol of divine presence.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi (Rituals for Ghatasthapana)

1. Preparation of the Kalash: Fill the Kalash with holy water and place mango leaves around its opening. Cover it with a coconut wrapped in a red cloth.


2. Sowing Barley Seeds: In a clay pot, sow barley seeds and sprinkle water, symbolizing prosperity.


3. Setting Up the Puja Altar: Place the Kalash on a bed of rice in the puja area, preferably on a clean red cloth.


4. Invoking Goddess Durga: Light a diya, burn incense, and chant Durga mantras to invite the divine energy.


5. Offering Panchamrit: Offer Panchamrit, flowers, and kumkum to the Kalash as a mark of devotion.


6. Performing Aarti: Conclude the ritual with Durga Aarti, seeking blessings for a prosperous and peaceful life.

Ghatasthapana marks the spiritual commencement of Chaitra Navratri, setting the tone for the nine-day festival of devotion, self-discipline, and divine blessings. By following the correct rituals and performing the puja at the right time, devotees can ensure the successful invocation of Goddess Shakti’s blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.