Astha SangrahASTHA SANGRAHhttps://asthasangrah.comGhatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
Ghatasthapana is the rite of setting up a kalash and invoking Maa Durga on the first day of Navratri, Pratipada tithi. The nine days of worship begin with it.
Ghatasthapana is done the same way on the first day of Chaitra Navratri too (7 April in 2027). The muhurat differs by a few minutes from city to city, so check your own city's panchang.
Significance of Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
Ghata means a pot or kalash, and sthapana means establishing it. In Navratri the water-filled kalash is treated as the seat of the Goddess: Maa Durga is invoked into it on the first day and worshipped there for all nine days.
The kalash is also seen as a symbol of the whole cosmos. The well-known verse of kalash worship says that Vishnu dwells at its mouth, Rudra at its neck, Brahma at its base and the Mothers in its middle.
The barley sown in soil beside the kalash sprouts and turns green over the nine days. The shoots are seen as a sign of prosperity and of the Goddess's blessing.
How to Perform Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
Ghatasthapana is done in the morning, while Pratipada tithi prevails. The puja space is cleaned and the kalash is set on a wooden stool covered with red cloth, usually in the north-east corner of the home.
After the kalash is set up, Maa Shailputri is worshipped the same day, and many homes light an akhand jyoti that burns throughout Navratri. Each day the kalash and the Goddess are worshipped and the Durga Saptashati or Durga Chalisa is recited.
When Navratri ends, the kalash is taken down on Dashami as per family custom. Its water is sprinkled around the home, and the sprouted barley is kept as prasad or offered into flowing water.
The Vidhi in Brief
Bathe in the morning and purify the puja space. Sow barley in a clay pot; fill the kalash with water and add supari, coins, durva and akshat; set five mango leaves and the lid, then the coconut wrapped in red cloth. Place the kalash on the barley pot, invoke Maa Durga, perform the panchopachara puja and light the akhand jyoti.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2026
This year the morning window falls in Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga, which are considered unfavourable for Ghatasthapana though not prohibited, so many families choose the Abhijit Muhurat. Times are for New Delhi; check your own city's panchang.
Rules for Ghatasthapana
- The most auspicious time is the first one-third of the day while Pratipada tithi prevails.
- If that window isn't available, Ghatasthapana can be done during Abhijit Muhurat.
- Ghatasthapana is prohibited during Amavasya and at night; complete it before midday, while Pratipada prevails.
Items for Kalash Sthapana
- A wide clay pot for sowing grains
- Clean soil
- Sapta Dhanya (seven kinds of grain) or barley
- A small clay or brass kalash
- Ganga jal or other pure water
- Sacred thread (moli / kalava)
- Scent (itra)
- Supari (betel nut)
- Coins
- Five mango or ashoka leaves
- A lid for the kalash
- Akshat (unbroken raw rice)
- An unpeeled coconut
- Red cloth
- Flowers and a garland (marigold preferred)
- Durva grass
Kalash Sthapana Vidhi
Bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes and purify the puja space, then follow these steps in order within the muhurat.
- 1
Prepare the grain pot
Spread a first layer of soil in the wide clay pot and scatter grain seeds over it. In the second layer, spread the seeds near the rim of the pot, then add a final layer of soil and sprinkle a little water if needed.
- 2
Tie the moli and fill the kalash
Tie the sacred thread around the neck of the kalash and fill it with Ganga jal or pure water.
- 3
Add the offerings
Drop supari, scent, durva grass, akshat and coins into the water.
- 4
Place the leaves and the lid
Arrange five mango or ashoka leaves around the mouth of the kalash, then cover it with the lid.
- 5
Set the coconut
Wrap the unpeeled coconut in red cloth, fasten it with moli, and place it on top of the kalash.
- 6
Place the kalash on the grain pot
Set the prepared kalash in the centre of the clay pot where the grains are sown.
- 7
Invocation and Panchopachara Puja
Invoke Maa Durga and pray that she reside in the kalash for the nine days. Then perform Panchopachara Puja with five offerings: lamp, dhoop, flowers, scent and naivedya (fruits and sweets).
- 8
Akhand Jyoti
As per tradition, light the akhand jyoti, which is kept burning through all the days of Navratri.
About Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
Ghatasthapana is the first rite of both Shardiya and Chaitra Navratri, in which a kalash is set up and Maa Durga is invoked. This page gives the 2026 muhurat, the rules for Ghatasthapana, the full samagri and the kalash sthapana vidhi.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ghatasthapana in 2026?
On Sunday, 11 October 2026. For New Delhi the muhurat is 6:19 to 10:12 AM, and the Abhijit Muhurat is 11:44 AM to 12:31 PM.
Can Ghatasthapana be done in the afternoon or evening?
If the morning window is missed, it can be done in the Abhijit Muhurat around midday. It is not done at night or after midday.
Why are many people choosing the Abhijit Muhurat in 2026?
This year the morning falls in Chitra nakshatra and Vaidhriti yoga. These are not prohibited for Ghatasthapana but are not considered favourable either, so many families set up the kalash in the Abhijit Muhurat.
What should be done with the barley and kalash after Navratri?
As per tradition, take down the kalash on Dashami, sprinkle its water around the home, and keep the sprouted barley as prasad or offer it into flowing water.