Gorkha, Oct 10 (RSS): The Dashain festival has formally begun from today.  Ghatasthapana, the first day of the 10-day Dashain festival, was observed nationwide by planting Jamara (mixture of various types of grains such as rice, maize, barley and sesame) as per the established rituals.

The Ghatasthapana was celebrated at the historic Gorkha Palace as well by planting the Jamara at the Dashain Ghar of Gorkha Kalika Temple.

Ghatasthapana is one of the important days of the Dashain festival, the main festival of the Hindus. 

Barely grains were planted at an auspicious hour of 7:15 this morning at the Kalika Temple, said Gorakhkali Temple chief priest Pradeep Yogi.   

Animal sacrifice for the continuous nine days (Nawaratha) is held at the historic Kalika temple.