Kathmandu, Oct 15: The first day of Dashain began with the sowing of the Jamara at Dashain Ghar of the historical Hanumandhoka today.

The Navaratri of Dashain, the great festival of Nepalese officially, commenced today at the auspicious time of 11:29 AM.

All Nepalese worship a sacred Diyo (oil-fed lamp), Kalash (water-filled utensil) and Lord Ganesh with Vedic rituals today.

People collect fine sand, mud, and cow dunk to sow maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil on this day of Ghatasthapana for germination of the auspicious Jamara.