Navratri 2024: When is Shardiya Navratri? Know date, rituals, Ashtami, and more

India is known for its vibrant festivals, and one of the most significant among them is Navratri. Celebrated twice a year, Navratri holds special importance for Hindus. The two Navratris are called Chaitra Navratri, which occurs in spring, and Shardiya Navratri, observed in autumn. Shardiya Navratri 2024 will be celebrated for nine days in the Hindu month of Ashwin, typically falling between September and October. Devotees across the world observe this festival with great devotion and enthusiasm.

Each day of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. The first day, called Pratipada, marks the beginning of the festival, and the ninth day is celebrated as Maha Navami.

When is Shardiya Navratri 2024?

Shardiya Navratri 2024 will start on October 3rd, 2024, and end on October 12th, 2024. It will conclude with the celebration of Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, also called Shailputri Puja, on October 3rd, and the final day, October 12th, marks Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, and Vijayadashami.

Shardiya Navratri 2024: Timings and Muhurat

The Ghatasthapana Muhurat, a crucial part of Navratri rituals, is from 6:10 AM to 7:08 AM on October 3rd, 2024. Another auspicious time, known as the Abhijit Muhurat, falls between 11:47 AM to 12:35 PM on the same day. These timings are considered ideal to begin the Navratri rituals.

• Pratipada Tithi begins at 12:18 AM on October 3rd, 2024, and ends at 2:58 AM on October 4th, 2024.
• Durgashtami, the eighth day, will be observed on Friday, October 11th, 2024.

When is Ashtami in Shardiya Navratri 2024?

The eighth day of Shardiya Navratri, known as Ashtami, is considered one of the most significant days of the festival. In 2024, Ashtami falls on Friday, October 11th. On this day, many devotees perform special prayers and rituals, including Kanya Puja, where young girls, believed to be forms of Goddess Durga, are worshipped.

Shardiya Navratri 2024: What is Goddess Durga’s Ride?

According to the Drik Panchang, in Shardiya Navratri 2024, Goddess Durga is believed to arrive on a Palanquin and will depart on Charanayudha.

What are the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga?

• Shailaputri
• Brahmacharini
• Chandraghanta
• Kushmanda
• Skandamata
• Katyayani
• Kalaratri
• Mahagauri
• Siddhidatri

Navratri Colours 2024

Devotees often follow a colour theme during Navratri, with each day representing a specific colour. Here’s the colour chart for Shardiya Navratri 2024:

• October 3: Yellow
• October 4: Green
• October 5: Grey
• October 6: Orange
• October 7: White
• October 8: Red
• October 9: Royal Blue
• October 10: Pink
• October 11: Purple

Why is Navratri Celebrated?

Navratri, especially Shardiya Navratri, is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. This festival is celebrated in several countries like India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Navratri occurs four times a year, but the most prominent ones are Chaitra (spring) and Sharadiya (autumn). The autumn celebration, Shardiya Navratri, symbolises the victory of good over evil.

According to Hindu mythology, Navratri celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The demon had received a boon from Lord Brahma, granting him immunity from being killed by any man or god. Armed with this blessing, Mahishasura wreaked havoc, prompting the gods to create Goddess Durga. After nine days of fierce battle, Durga defeated Mahishasura by killing him on the tenth day. This day is celebrated as Vijayadashami, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Navratri Rituals and Traditions

Navratri is a time filled with various rituals and traditions that carry deep spiritual meaning. Though practices may vary across regions, the core essence of honouring Goddess Durga remains the same. Let’s explore some of the main traditions associated with Shardiya Navratri 2024:

1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri. A pot, or Kalash, is filled with water and seeds, symbolising life. This pot is placed in a sacred spot, and prayers are offered to invoke the blessings of the goddess.

2. Durga Puja

Throughout Navratri, devotees perform special Durga Pujas to worship Goddess Durga. These rituals include chanting mantras, offering flowers, and burning incense, showing devotion and reverence.

3. Fasting (Vrat)

Many devotees fast during Navratri, avoiding certain foods and refraining from activities such as smoking and drinking. Fasting is usually broken at specific times with special meals.

4. Kanya Puja

On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, Kanya Puja is performed. Young girls, considered embodiments of Goddess Durga, are invited to homes, where they are fed and given gifts as a form of respect.

5. Garba and Dandiya Raas

In many regions, Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional folk dances, are performed as part of the celebrations. People dance in circles to devotional songs, expressing their joy and devotion to the goddess.

6. Aarti

Every evening, an Aarti is performed as part of the Navratri prayers. This involves offering lighted lamps to the goddess while singing devotional hymns.

7. Navami Havan

On the ninth day, a Havan, or sacred fire ceremony, is performed. This ritual symbolises purification and is believed to bring prosperity and blessings.

8. Visarjan

On Vijayadashami, the tenth day of Navratri, a clay idol of Goddess Durga is immersed in water. This represents the goddess’s return to her celestial abode.

9. Reading of Durga Saptashati

Many devotees also read the Durga Saptashati, a sacred text that tells the story of Goddess Durga’s battles and victories over evil forces.

Shardiya Navratri 2024: Powerful Mantras

During Navratri, chanting mantras is a common practice to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga. Two important mantras are:

"Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapalini,

Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute..!!"

"Sarva Mangal Maangalyaye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike,

Sharanyaye Triyambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!"

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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