KATHMANDU: Devotees have thronged the goddess temples and shrines throughout the country on the occasion of the Ghatasthapana today, the first day of the Bada Dashain festival.

A large crowd of devotees could be seen at the Bhadrakali temple, Guheshwari temple, Maitidevi temple, among other shrines to pay homage to the goddesses.

Deity Shailaputri is worshipped for observing Ghatastapana on the auspicious hour. The first day is being marked by worshipping the deity Shailaputri in accordance with Vedic rituals and preparing for Jamara (barley shoots) by sowing maize and barley seeds in a jar filled with soil and cow dung for germination.

Similarly, throngs of devotees also visited Dakshinkali temple, Palanchok Bhagawati temple in Kavre, and Manakamana temple in Gorkha, Chhinnamasta temple in Saptari, Nuwakot Bhairavi temple in Nuwakot, Shaileshwari temple in Doti, Kalika Bhagawati temple in Baglung, Dantakali temple in Dharan, Ugratara temple in Dadeldhura, Siddhakali temple in Bhojpur, Bageshwari temple in Banke and Pathibhara temple in Taplejung.