When Is Shardiya Navratri 2023? Shardiya Navratri Start And End Date And More About 9 Days Festival

Shardiya Navratri 2023 Start and End Date In India: India is a country of festivals, and many types of festivals keep us busy throughout the year. Navratri is one such important and auspicious festival that is celebrated twice a year¡ªonce during spring called Chaitra Navratri and another during autumn called Sharad or Shardiya Navratri. Shardiya Navratri is celebrated for 9 days in the month of Ashwin (September-October) in the Hindu calendar. Shardiya Navratri is celebrated by Hindus worldwide with great devotion and enthusiasm.

The first day of Shardiya Navratri is called Pratipada, and the last day is called Maha Navami. On each day, a different form of the goddess Durga is worshipped across the country.

Shardiya Navratri 2023 image | Photo: Freepik

As the month of Ashwin is just around the corner, Here¡¯s the Shardiya Navratri 2023 start date, Shardiya Navratri end date, the different forms of the goddess Durga, Muhurat, and all you need to know about the holy festival. This year Shardiya Navratri celebrated for 9 days.

Shardiya Navratri 2023 Start and End dates

- In 2023 Shardiya Navratri starts on Sunday, 15 October 2023, and will continue till the Dussehra celebration on Tuesday, 24 October 2023.

- According to the Hindu calendar, the Shubh Muhurat for Shardiya Navratri will start at 11:44 AM and will end at 12:30 PM.

- The Pratipada Muhurat will begin on Saturday, October 14th at 11:24 PM, and will end by 12:32 AM on Monday, October 16th.

- Ghatasthapana Muhurat will begin at 11:44 AM and will end at 12:30 PM on 15th October 2023.

Sharad Navratri 2023 Dates, Know the colour for each day of the Navratri and the names of 9 Forms of Goddess Durga:

Shardiya Navratri 2023: What Maa Durga Ride on Navratri 2023?

According to Drik Panchang, Goddess Durga will arrive on Elephant and departure on Charanayudha. The beginning of Shardiya Navratri is going to be very special this time because this time it is starting on Monday which is considered very auspicious. This time Goddess Durga will arrive on the earth riding an elephant, which will be very auspicious for everyone in many ways.

• Happy Navratri Wishes, Quotes And Images

According to Drik Panchang, if Goddess Durga comes on an elephant is considered auspicious. It is believed that it will bring plenty of rainfall for bumper harvesting in the coming year. According to beliefs, Goddess Durga comes on earth riding different vehicles and departing on different ones.

In Hindu scriptures, each vehicle that riding by Goddess Durga holds a different and unique significance. According to Hindu scriptures, if Navratri is starting on Monday or Sunday, she will come on an elephant. If it starts on Saturday or Tuesday then she will come on a horse. If Navratri starts on Thursday or Friday then she will come sitting in doli and if it starts on Wednesday, she will come on a boat.

Maa Durga takes departure on different vehicles - If she leaves the earth on Sunday or Monday she will ride on a Buffalo, on Saturday or Tuesday, she goes on a rooster, on Wednesday or Friday rides an elephant and on Thursday, Goddess Durga goes on a human ride.

Why is Navratri celebrated?

Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. it is the most important festival of the year for Hindus in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. the festival is celebrated in the month of September or October, which is the autumn season. The festival is celebrated four times a year - Magh Navratri (during winter- January), Chaitra or Vasanta (during spring March-April), Ashadha (during monsoons -August), and Sharadiya (during autumn). Shardiya Navratri symbolises the victory of truth over falsehood. There are two mythological stories related to it in the scriptures:

It is believed that Goddess Durga killed a demon Mahishasura. Demon granted from Lord Brahma that no god, demon, or person living on earth could kill him. After getting the boon Mahishasura started creating terror in the world.

Then gods created Goddess Durga to kill the demon. There was a fierce battle between Goddess and demon for nine consecutive days that shook the entire universe. According to legends, Mahishasura was very clever as during the fight he kept changing his forms to confuse the Goddess and but on the tenth day when the demon took the form of a buffalo, the Goddess Durga pierced his chest with her 'Trident' killing him instantly.

Shardiya Navratri is a time for joy and celebration. people dance, sing, and feast during the festival. they also visit temples and pray to Durga. Shardiya Navratri is a time for people to come together and celebrate their faith.

Shardiya Navratri 2023: The Nine Days and Their Significance

The festival of Navratri is celebrated for nine days, each dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. From the fierce and powerful Durga to the benevolent and nurturing Annapurna, each manifestation is honored for her unique qualities. Devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and devotional activities to seek blessings and guidance from these divine forms.

Shardiya Navratri 2023: Rituals and Traditions

Shardiya Navratri is observed annually by various rituals and traditions that add depth to the celebrations. Some of the common practices include the installation of the idol of Goddess Durga, performing aarti (ritualistic worship with lamps), and engaging in Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, which symbolise the triumph of good over evil through joyful expression.

Importance of Fasting on Shardiya Navratri

Fasting is a central aspect of Shardiya Navratri. Many devotees observe fasts during the nine days, abstaining from certain foods to purify the body and mind. The fasting regimen varies ¨C while some choose to consume fruits and milk, others adhere to a more strict diet. This practice is believed to enhance spirituality and discipline.

Navratri and Dandiya Raas

Dandiya Raas, a traditional folk dance, is an integral part of Shardiya Navratri celebrations. People form circles and dance with colorful sticks called dandiyas, depicting the joyful and playful spirit of the festival. It fosters a sense of community and unity among participants.

Eco-Friendly Celebrations

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly Navratri celebrations. Many organisers and participants have adopted sustainable practices, such as using clay idols and organic materials for decorations, contributing to both the festivities and environmental conservation.

Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available. Indiatimes do not endorse any kind of belief or superstition. Consult an expert if you have one, and always use your better judgment.

Shardiya Navratri 2023: Mantra

1. Jayanti Mangala Kaali Bhadra Kaali Kapalini Durga Kshama Shivadhatri Swaha Swadha Namostute..!!

2. Sarva Mangal Maangalyaye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanyaye Triyambike Gauri Narayani Namostute..!!

10 points on Navratri that you should know about

1. Navratri is the most important and auspicious festival of India which is celebrated by Hindus around the world that dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.

2. The word Navratri comes from the Sanskrit language - Nav' means ' Nine ' and ' Ratri ' means ' Night

3. Navratri comes four times a year - Magh Navratri, Chaitra or Vasanta Navratri, Ashadha Navratri, and Sharadiya Navratri out of them two - Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri festivals are celebrated with great pomp.

4. Navratri is a nine-day-long occasion that is dedicated to the worship of the nine avatars of Goddess Durga.

5. Ghatasthapana also known as Kalash establishment is one of the significant rituals during Navratri that marks the beginning of nine days of festivities.

6. Sharad Navratri begins on the first day of the lunar month Ashwin which falls on Sunday, October 15th this year, and ends on Monday, October 23rd.

7. Durga puja begins on the 6th day of Navratri till the tenth day. During the nine-day festival, devotees pray, take part in the Dandiya Raas and Garba, and offer prasad to please Goddess Durga.

8. The nine-day festival is dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Durga - Shailaputri /Pratipada, Brahmacharini/ Dwitya, Chandraghanta/ Tritya, Kushmanda/ Chaturthi, Skandamata/ Panchami, Katyayini/ Shashti, Kalaratri/ Saptami, Mahagauri/ Ashtami, Siddhidaatri/ Navami, Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

9. Devotees fast for nine days and avoid grains, onions, meat, and alcohol.

10. In many places, devotees do Kanya Poojan or Kanjak Poojan on Ashtami (the Eighth day of Navratri) while some do it on Navami.

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