The first day of Navaratri was marked on Monday with traditional Ghatasthapana rituals across the country, as devotees sowed jamara and invoked Goddess Shailaputri.

In Kathmandu, a special ceremony was performed at Basantapur Durbar Square, where priests conducted the rituals in accordance with long-held traditions and placed jamara as part of the commencement of the Dashain festival.

Across Nepal, families set up Ghatasthapana either in their household prayer rooms or at the Dashain Ghar set up in the locality. The day is dedicated to Shailaputri, the first manifestation of Goddess Durga among the Navadurgas.

According to scriptures including the Devi Kavach and the Markandeya Purana, Shailaputri is revered as the daughter of the Himalayas, also known as Goddess Parvati. She is worshipped as the supreme mother goddess, embodying strength, devotion and purity.

With the rituals observed, devotees believe the nine days of Navaratri will bring blessings of health, prosperity and protection.