Navratri 2023: Is Shardiya Navratri Celebrated For 8 Or 9 Days? Know Everything About Navratri

Navratri 2023: Navratri is a Hindu festival that celebrates the nine forms of the goddess Durga. It is celebrated twice a year, once in the spring and once in the autumn. Sharad Navratri, also known as Dussehra, is the autumn Navratri and is considered to be the most important of the two. During Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Durga for nine days. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess.

shardiya navratri 2023 | Photo: Freepik

On the tenth day of Navratri, Dussehra is celebrated. Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It is believed that on this day, Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana. Navratri is a time for celebration and devotion. Devotees fast, pray, and sing bhajans to the goddess Durga. They also participate in traditional dances and music.

The festival of Navratri typically spans over eight or nine days, depending on various factors. India is a country of festivals, and many types of festivals keep us busy throughout the year.

In this article we delve into Navratri 2023: 8 or 9, How Many Days Will Sharad Navratri Last? Learn about the significance, dates, and rituals of this vibrant festival.

Differences between Durga Puja and Navratri

Is Sharad Navratri 2023 last for 8 or 9 days?

This year, Shardiya Navratri is starting on Sunday, 15th October and it will end one day before Dussehra 2023 i.e. on Monday, 23rd September. If seen on this basis, this year Sharadiya Navratri will last for 9 days.

What is the Significance of Navratri?

Navratri holds immense religious and cultural significance. It symbolises the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and is celebrated with devotion and fervor. The festival also marks the changing of seasons, from monsoon to autumn, signifying the victory of light over darkness.

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What is the duration of Sharad Navratri 2023?

The duration of Navratri in 2023 is a topic of discussion among many devotees. Traditionally, Navratri is celebrated for nine nights and ten days. However, in some regions, it is celebrated for eight nights. The variation arises from regional and cultural differences.

Eight Nights

In some parts of India, including Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated for eight nights. This tradition is in honour of the Goddess Durga, who is believed to have fought demon Mahishasura for eight days and nights. The festival concludes with Dussehra, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Nine Nights

In most other regions, Navratri lasts for nine nights. This extended celebration includes prayers, fasting, and vibrant dance performances like Garba and Dandiya. Devotees invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga during this time.

Celebration of Navratri in different parts of India

Navratri is celebrated differently in different parts of India. In Gujarat, Navratri is a time for Garba and Dandiya dancing. In West Bengal, Navratri is known as Durga Puja and is celebrated with elaborate pandals and processions. In North India, Navratri is also known as Ramlila and is celebrated with the staging of plays depicting the life of Lord Rama.

Navratri celebration in Gujarat

Gujarat is renowned for its grand Navratri celebrations that last for nine nights. People participate in the energetic Garba and Dandiya dances, wearing traditional attire.

Navratri celebration in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja. the festival of Navratri typically spans for ten days, with elaborate processions and idol immersions on the final day.

Navratri celebration in Northern India

In North India, the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees fast visited temples, and organise cultural events during this period.

When is Navratri 2023?

Sharad Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15, 2023, and end on October 23, 2023.

Why is Navratri celebrated for 9 days?

Navratri is celebrated for 9 days to worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess:

Navratri rituals and culture

Navratri is a time for celebration and devotion. Devotees fast, pray, and sing bhajans to the goddess Durga. They also participate in traditional dances and music.

Some of the common rituals performed during Navratri include:

- Many devotees fast for nine days during Navratri. Some people fast completely, while others eat only fruits and vegetables.

- Devotees pray to the goddess Durga for her blessings. They also recite mantras and perform pujas.

- Devotees sing bhajans in praise of the goddess Durga.

- Traditional dances such as Garba and Dandiya are performed during Navratri.

Navratri is also a time for feasting and socialising. Families and friends come together to celebrate the festival. Traditional dishes such as puris, halwa, and kheer are prepared and shared.

Shardiya Navratri 2023 FAQ's

How is Navratri 2023's duration determined?

Navratri's duration in 2023 is determined by regional and cultural factors. In Gujarat, it lasts for eight nights, while in most other regions, it spans nine nights.

What is the significance of Navratri?

Navratri signifies the victory of good over evil and the changing of seasons from monsoon to autumn. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga.

How is Navratri celebrated in Gujarat?

In Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with the energetic Garba and Dandiya dances, traditional attire, and elaborate decorations.

Are there variations of Navratri celebrations in different regions?

Yes, Navratri celebrations vary from region to region. For example, West Bengal celebrates it as Durga Puja, while Northern India has its unique customs.

Can non-Hindus participate in Navratri?

Navratri is a festival of unity and welcomes people of all backgrounds to participate in the celebrations.