Ghatasthapana:
The first day of Dashain is called Ghatasthapana, which literally means pot establishing. On this day the kalash, (holy water vessel) symbolising goddess Durga often with her image embossed on the side is placed in the prayer room. Me and my mother made a small rectangular sand block and we put kalash in the centre. Also we filled kalash with the holy water and covered with cowdung on to which seeds are sown. The room where the kalash is established is called 'Dashain Ghar'.
Fulpati:
As days passes by regular rituals are observed till the seventh day. The seventh day is called 'Fulpati'.
We brought Fulpati in the house.
Maha Asthami:
The eighth day is called the Maha Asthami. The fervour of worship and sacrifice to Durga and Kali increases. On this day many orthodox Hindus will be fasting. Sacrifices are held in almost every house through out the day. The night of the eighth day is also called 'Kal Ratri', the dark night. Hundreds of goats, sheep and buffaloes are sacrificed at the mother goddess temples. The sacrifice continues till dawn. While the puja is being carried out great feasts are held in the homes of common people where large amount of meat are consumed. We also sacrifice He-goat in this day.
Nawami:
The ninth day is called Nawami. In this day, Temples of mother goddess are filled with people from dawn till dusk. Animals mostly black buffaloes are slaughtered to honour Durga the goddess of victory and might and to seek her blessing.
Dashami:
The tenth day is called the Dashami. On this day we take tika and jamara from our elders and receive their blessing. We visit our elders in their home and get tika from them while our younger ones come to our home to receive blessing from us. The importance of Dasain also lies in the fact that on this day family members from far off and distant relatives come for a visit as well as to receive tika from the head of the family. This day I played swing with my family and also I had done lots of fun with them. I clicked some photos too.
