Dasra is celebrated across India in different forms. In MAHARASHTRA,on the first day of month of Ashwin, Dasra/Ghatasthapana is celebrated. An earthen pot is filled with water. Surrounded by clay in which food grains are sown. And are allowed to sprout for nine days.
Five stems of jawar are also placed over the pot. This arrangement is called the “Ghat”. The ladies worship the pot for nine days. By offering rituals and a garland of flowers, leaves, fruits, dry-fruits, etc. With a naivedya, and water is offered in order to get the seeds sprouted.
Some families also celebrate Kaali pujan on days 1 and 2. Laxmi pujan on days 3, 4, 5. And Saraswati pujan on days 6, 7, 8, 9 along with Ghatasthapana. On the eighth day, a “Yajna” or “Hom” is performed in the name of Goddess Durga. On ninth day, the Ghat pujan is done. And the Ghat is dissolved after taking off the sprouted leaves of the grains.
In many families, a woman from Matang community is called and offered food and blessings are sought from her. She is considered as a form of the Goddess “Matangi”. This process is called “पात्रं भरणे” in Marathi.
On the occasion of Dasara or Vijayadashmi, the men go to the forest or farm. And bring the leaves of the tree Apta. They worship iron in the form of utensils, weapons, etc. The iron equipments are washed and offered leaves of Apta called gold or “sona”. And also leaves of the grains which were sprouted.
On this day, a process called Vidyarambhan. Meaning beginning of learning takes place. When small children are to write first alphabet.
Celebrating Dasara
In this pic you can see ghat.
Make kadakane, Maharashtrian sweet and hang on ghat….
On last day of dasara do hatyar pujan.
