Shardiya Navratri 2024, a vibrant festival celebrating the divine feminine, Navratri 2024 will begin on October 3 and conclude on October 12, culminating in the celebration of Dussehra. Devotees across India and around the world will gather to honor Goddess Durga through fasting, music, and dance. Each day is dedicated to different forms of the goddess, with colorful garba and dandiya nights bringing communities together in joyful celebration. This year promises a rich tapestry of tradition, spirituality, and unity as families and friends come together to seek blessings for prosperity and strength.
Navratri is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine avatars. Derived from the Sanskrit words "Nav" (meaning nine) and "Ratri" (meaning night), Navratri spans over nine days and nights. Each day honors a different form of Goddess Durga, symbolizing power, purity, and wisdom.
Shardiya Navratri 2024 starts Today:
Durgashtami falls on October 11, Friday and Navratri ends with Ayudha Puja on October 12, Saturday, Vijaya dasami or Dussehra will be celebrated on October 12, Saturday.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat Time:
On October 3, 2024, the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) is during the Pratipada Tithi. The best time to perform this ritual is between 6:14 AM and 7:23 AM.
Materials for Ghatasthapana (Shardiya Navratri 2024 Pujan Samagri):
Some essential materials are required for Ghatasthapana on Chaitra Navratri. These include a wide wooden stand, a clay pot with a mouth, soil from a holy place, 7 types of grains, Kalash, Gangajal, Kalava or Mauli, betel nut, mango or Ashoka leaves, whole rice, coconut with husk, red cloth, flowers and garland.
Navratri festival dates in 2024
| Day & Date | Festival | Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, October 03 | Ghatasthapana | Pratipada |
| Friday, October 04 | Maa Brahmacharini Puja | Dwitiya |
| Saturday, October 05 | Maa Chandraghanta Puja | Tritiya |
| Sunday, October 06 | Maa Kushmanda Puja | Chaturthi |
| Monday, October 07 | Maa Skandamata Puja | Panchami |
| Tuesday, October 08 | Maa Katyayini Puja | Shashti |
| Wednesday, October 09 | Maa Kaalratri Puja | Saptami |
| Thursday, October 10 | Maa Maha Gauri Puja | Ashtami |
| Friday, October 11 | Maa Siddhidaatri Puja, Maha Navami | Navami |
| Saturday, October 12 | Vijay Dasami | Dasami |
Navratri: Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga
For nine nights, people observe the festival with utmost devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Durga Maa. Based on this, devotees have to wear the right colours on each day.
Day 1: Shailaputri /Pratipada
On Pratipada, October 03, Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. Shaila means mountain and putri means daughter. Since Goddess Parvati is the daughter of the Mountain God, she is given importance on this day.
Day 2: Brahmacharini/ Dwitya
On Dwitya, October 04, Goddess Brahmacharini is a form of Durga Devi and she is one who reduces anger. Hence, the second day is dedicated for this Goddess.
Day 3: Chandraghanta/ Tritya
On Tritiya, October 05, devotees worship Chandraghanta. It is believed that she has a third eye and fights against evil demons. During puja, jasmine flowers are offered to make her pleased.
Day 4: Kushmanda/ Chaturthi
On Chaturthi, October 06, the day is dedicated for Goddess Kushmanda. Her name means cosmic eggand she is known to spread energy and warmth to everyone.
Day 5: Skandamata/ Panchami
On Panchami, October 07, Goddess Skandamata is one who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered as it is believed that she is fierce and loving.
Day 6: Katyayini/ Shashti
On the sixth day called Shashti, October 08, Durga is said to have taken the form of Devi Katyayani so that she could kill the King of Demons. Women offer prayers to get a peaceful married and family life.
Day 7: Kalaratri/ Saptami
On Saptami, October 09, the day is specially dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri. She is said to be fierce and have also frightened the evil spirits all over the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn Planet)
Day 8: Mahagauri/ Ashtami
On the eigth day, October 10, people worship Mahagauri. She wears only white clothes on this special day and rides a bull. On this day, Kanya Puja takes place- a special event dedicated for young virgin girls. This day is known as Mahashtami or even Maha Durgashtami. The day is celebrated with dance, fun and prayers.
Day 9: Siddhidaatri/ Navami
On Navami, October 11, Devi Siddhidaatri is given importance. She is powerful to fulfill all your wishes and hence the ninth day is dedicated to her.
Day 10: Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
After the 9 days of prayers, the tenth day, October 12, is kept aside for Vijayadashmi. A day when new things can begin in life. It is also called Vidyarambham- an event where children are introduced into the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is a very important part of the rituals on Vijayadashmi.
