Navratri 2025: Kalash Sthapana Rituals & Step By Step Guide For Devotees

Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, is observed with immense devotion and joy across India. The nine-day festival marks the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms and signifies the triumph of good over evil. A central ritual that begins the festival is Kalash Sthapana , also called Ghatasthapana, which is considered an invocation of divine power. The ritual not only sets the tone for the days of fasting and worship but also invites prosperity, peace, and spiritual strength into the household. Performing Kalash Sthapana with precision and devotion ensures blessings for the family throughout the festival.

Significance of Kalash Sthapana in Navratri

Kalash Sthapana is the ritual of establishing a sacred pot (kalash), which symbolises the universe, abundance, and the presence of Goddess Durga. The water in the kalash represents life and energy, while the mango leaves and coconut placed on top are considered auspicious symbols of fertility, purity, and growth. According to experts, the ritual is believed to invite divine energy into the home and acts as a medium to channel the blessings of the Goddess during Navratri.

Auspicious Time for Kalash Sthapana in 2025

The timing of Kalash Sthapana is considered crucial. Traditionally, it should be done on the first day of Navratri during a specific muhurat (auspicious period). In 2025, Navratri begins in late September, and the exact muhurat will depend on sunrise and astrological calculations for that day. Experts recommend performing the ritual during the morning hours, especially when both Pratipada tithi and a favourable lagna are aligned. Performing it outside the designated time is not advised, as it may not yield the desired spiritual benefits.

Materials Required for Kalash Sthapana

Before performing the ritual, it is important to collect all the necessary items in advance. The essential materials include:

• A clean earthen or brass pot (kalash)
• Water filled up to three-fourths of the pot
• Betel nuts, coins, rice, and turmeric placed inside the kalash
• Mango leaves arranged around the mouth of the pot
• A whole coconut wrapped in red or yellow cloth tied with sacred thread
• A plate filled with soil and barley seeds for germination
• Kumkum, sandalwood paste, flowers, and incense sticks for worship

Each of these items has symbolic meaning, signifying purity, prosperity, and continuity of life.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Kalash Sthapana

On the day of Navratri, family members should rise early, bathe, and wear clean clothes before beginning the ritual. The process involves:

1. Purification of the space: Clean the puja area and sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) to purify the surroundings.
2. Preparation of the soil bed: Spread soil in a clay plate and sow barley seeds. This represents growth and fertility during Navratri.
3. Placing the kalash: Fill the pot with water, add coins, betel nuts, rice, and turmeric, and then place it on the soil bed.
4. Decorating the kalash: Arrange mango leaves around the mouth of the pot and place the coconut, wrapped in red cloth and tied with sacred thread, on top.
5. Invocation of the Goddess: Apply kumkum and sandalwood paste on the kalash, light a lamp and incense sticks, and chant prayers to invoke Goddess Durga into the kalash.
6. Daily worship: During all nine days of Navratri, devotees should light a lamp, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets, and perform aarti to the kalash. The sprouting barley seeds are observed as a sign of prosperity and divine blessings.

Importance of Following Rituals with Devotion

While the steps of Kalash Sthapana are straightforward, what truly matters is the faith and devotion with which it is performed. According to experts, the ritual should not be treated as a mechanical process but as a spiritual act of inviting divine energy into the household. Observing discipline, maintaining cleanliness, and offering prayers daily enhances the spiritual atmosphere and brings peace of mind.

Completion of Navratri and Immersion

On the tenth day, also known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the kalash is respectfully immersed in water or the barley is placed under a tree. This marks the conclusion of Navratri and symbolises the return of the Goddess after blessing the devotees. It is also a reminder of the cyclical nature of life, where beginnings and endings are interconnected.

Kalash Sthapana is not just a ritual but a spiritual practice that lays the foundation of Navratri celebrations. As devotees prepare to honour Goddess Durga, performing the ritual with proper timing, essential materials, and devotion will ensure an auspicious start to the festival. The practice connects individuals with tradition, strengthens family bonds, and creates an atmosphere of positivity and reverence throughout the nine days.