Ghatasthapana on 11 October: Kathmandu timings and what to do if you miss the morning period

Kathmandu: Ghatasthapana, the opening day of Dashain and Sharad Navratri, falls on Sunday, 11 October 2026, or 25 Ashoj 2083. Families traditionally establish a sacred Kalash, prepare Jamara and worship Goddess Shailaputri, the first of Durga's nine forms.

Kathmandu timings: distinguish the sources

Hamro Patro's entry for 25 Ashoj lists 11:47 AM as the auspicious moment. An October 6 report by Sky News Nepal also gives 11:47 AM, attributing the timing to the chair of Nepal's Panchanga Nirnayak Bikas Samiti. That report mentions preparatory rites associated with Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga.

Drik Panchang separately lists 6:01 AM–9:54 AM for Ghatasthapana in Kathmandu, with an Abhijit window of 11:27 AM–12:14 PM. All these times are local to Kathmandu. Drik Panchang's calculation should not be described as the Nepal committee's official timing.

If you miss the morning period

In a Live Hindustan report, priest Narendra Upadhyay suggests considering Shubh, Labh, Amrit or Char Choghadiya periods within Pratipada when the preferred period is missed. Drik Panchang, however, explicitly does not recommend selecting Choghadiya for Ghatasthapana. These sources reflect different approaches; the alternatives should not be presented as universally accepted.

Hamro Patro also refers to observing family customs and traditions when establishing the Kalash and sowing Jamara. A local priest can help determine an appropriate time for your location and religious tradition.

Guidance for devotees abroad

Sunrise, lunar dates and ritual windows depend on the city. Readers in Ireland and other countries should use a local Panchang or priest's guidance, rather than applying Kathmandu clock times or simply converting them between time zones.

Cultural significance

In Nepal, families sow barley and other grains in soil or sand to grow Jamara. The shoots are offered with Tika during Vijaya Dashami. Worship during Navratri honours Durga's nine forms, and devotees associate the festival with devotion, family unity and the triumph of good over evil.

Editor's note: The timing sources above are identified separately. Follow your local Panchang and family tradition for religious observances. The accompanying image is an illustration supplied by the publisher.

Sources
Hamro Patro: https://www.hamropatro.com/date/2083-6-25
Drik Panchang, Kathmandu: https://www.drikpanchang.com/navratri/shardiya-navratri-ghatasthapana.html?geoname-id=1283240
Sky News Nepal report on the committee's timing: https://skynewsnepal.com/2026/10/06/52728
Live Hindustan report quoting priest Upadhyay: https://www.livehindustan.com/astrology/shardiya-navratri-2026-kalash-sthapana-muhurat-timing-of-ghatasthapana-11-october-ko-kis-samay-kare-201791602128990.amp.html