Sharadiya Navratri begins with worship of Goddess Durga, and for nine days, followers will venerate her nine forms. The installation of a kalash or Ghatstapan on the first day of Navratri is particularly significant, as it marks the beginning of the Navratri rituals. According to beliefs, performing Kalash Sthapana and worshipping Goddess Durga according to established rites brings happiness, peace, and prosperity into the home.
When to perform Kalash Sthapana in Navratri 2026?
Sharadiya Navratri in 2026 will begin on October 11, 2026, a Sunday. On this day, worship of the first form of Goddess Durga, Shailputri, will be performed. According to the Panchang from Delhi, the auspicious morning time for Kalash Sthapana is set from 6:19 AM to 10:12 AM. Additionally, the Abhijit Muhurta is scheduled from 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM. It is important to note that the timing may vary depending on the location, so it is recommended to check the Panchang of your city.
Necessary Items for Kalash Worship
Before performing Ghatstapan, all necessary materials should be gathered in one place to avoid shortages during the ritual. The list includes an earthen pot, clean soil, barley, a copper or brass kalash, water, Gangajal, mango leaves, a coconut, red woven cloth or chunri, kalava, roli, akshat, ugwa, a coin, flowers, a garland, incense, a lamp, ghee, and prasad. It is also necessary to prepare an image or statue of Goddess Durga and an altar for worship.
The Ritual of Installing the Kalash
First, one must take a morning shower and wear clean clothes, then purify the place for worship. Red woven cloth is spread on the altar, upon which the image or statue of Goddess Durga is placed. Next, clean soil is poured into the earthen pot, into which barley is sown. The barley is lightly sprinkled with water to ensure germination.
Then, a kalava is tied around the kalash, and it is filled with clean water. According to tradition, Gangajal, ugwa, a coin, and akshat are also added to the kalash. Mango leaves are placed on the mouth of the kalash, and a coconut wrapped in red woven cloth is placed on top. The finished kalash is placed next to the pot of barley. After this, meditation on Ganesha is performed, and the worship begins with invoking Goddess Durga. Offerings of roli, akshat, flowers, and prasad are made to the Goddess, followed by Aarti with the lighting of incense and lamps. Decisions regarding fasting are made during Navratri.
Mantras for Recitation During Kalash Installation
During Kalash Sthapana, devotees can repeat mantras of Goddess Durga. The mantra recited during the worship is: 'Om Dum Durgae Namah'. Following this, worship of Shailputri is performed, praying for happiness, peace, health, and family prosperity.
Important Points During Navratri
After installing the kalash, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness at the place of worship daily and periodically water the barley. If a continuous lamp (Akand Jyoti) is maintained, special attention should be paid to its safety, placing it in a location where there is no risk of fire. Worship rules may differ based on family traditions and local beliefs, so it is advisable to follow established family customs. Goddess Durga must be worshipped with sincere devotion.