During this period, devotees worship Maa Durga.
Kalash is believed to be the abode of all gods and goddesses, so it must be new and pure.
This year, Gupt Navratri will be celebrated from July 6 onwards, the Shukla Paksha day of the month of Ashadha, as per the Hindu calendar. It is believed that during this period, participating in the worship of Maa Durga will remove all the problems or defects that one is experiencing. On the first day of the period, the Kalash Sthapana ceremony is performed, which has a lot of significance. A renowned astrologer gives more insight into what should be kept in a Kalash.
According to beliefs, a Kalash is made up of a Gangajal and all the gods and goddesses reside in it. According to Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal, an astrologer from Deoghar, Gupt Navratri will be celebrated in Punarvasu Nakshatra after decades.
On the first day of Gupt Navratri, devotees set up a Kalash to mark the occasion. They usually use a Kalash made from materials like copper, brass or clay. Since it is the abode of all the gods and goddesses, according to believers, it should be completely new and pure. Also, it will please Goddess Durga and her wishes will be fulfilled.
Pandit Mudgal says that after the Kalash puja is over, it is released into a river. Therefore, a Kalash made of clay is ideal to use during Gupt Navratri. It is made of soil, something that is believed to be sacred and pure. Therefore, inside the Kalash made of clay, things like kalawa, coconut, gangajal, red-coloured cloth, Mauli and some akshat should be kept. While placing the Kalash, the soil should not have any black spots. If you find any, replace it immediately. Devotees believe that it could have negative effects on worship.
According to the pandit, the Kalash Sthapana can be performed between 05:11 am and 07:26 am on July 6. If you are unable to perform it during this time, you can also do it between 11 am and noon.
