Nepal's greatest festival, Bada Dashain, has begun today with the traditional Ghatasthapana rites. The celebration formally starts on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the first day of the bright lunar fortnight. It runs for fifteen days and closes on Ashwin Shukla Purnima, observed each year with much fanfare. In homes across the country, families today installed oil lamps, kalash vessels and an idol of Ganesh as part of the ritual. Ghatasthapana also involves sowing seeds that grow into the yellow jamara shoots used in blessings later in the festival. Over the following days people will travel home, receive tika from elders and take part in temple visits. Offices and schools typically slow down or close as the holidays take effect.