Navratri (Shardiya Navratri) 2024

Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Northern and Eastern India. This festival symbolises the nine nights of battle between good and evil, culminating in the victory of good on the tenth day. During this period, Mother Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, energy, and wisdom.

Navratri 2024 will commence on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, and conclude with the celebration of Vijaya Dasami on Saturday, 12th October 2024.

• Ghatasthapana on Thursday, 3 October 2024
• Durgashtami on Friday, 11 October 2024
• Maha Navami on Friday, 11 October 2024

Ghatasthapana Muhurat Time: 3 October 2024, 6:23 a.m. – 10:18 a.m.

Pratipada Tithi Timing: 3 October 2024, 12:19 a.m. – 4 October 2024, 2:58 a.m. (Timings for Ujjain, IST).

What is Navratri?

This culture is deeply rooted in an understanding of the human system’s connection to the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and various aspects of the Divine. This connection is also reflected in the timing and manner of our festival celebrations.

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights‘, begins the day after the new moon (Amavasya). The first nine days of the lunar cycle are considered feminine, representing Devi, the feminine aspect of the Divine. The ninth day, known as Navami, marks the end of this phase. The one-and-a-half days around the full moon are neutral, while the remaining eighteen days are masculine in nature. Traditionally, all worship up to Navami is dedicated to Devi during this feminine phase.

There are twelve such nine-day periods each year, each focusing on a different aspect of the feminine Divine, or Devi. The Navratri that occurs in October is the most significant, as it is dedicated to Sharada, the goddess of learning. This tradition places the highest value on learning, a unique ability that distinguishes humans from other creatures. While other beings may be faster or stronger, they cannot learn as humans do. The true pride of being human lies in the capacity to learn anything, provided one is willing to do so.

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When is Navratri 2024 Celebrated

Navratri is typically celebrated twice a year, once during spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once during autumn (Sharad Navratri). Both periods coincide with planetary changes according to the lunar calendar.

Sharad Navratri 2024, also known as Maha Navratri, is commonly observed during the Indian month of Ashvina, starting from the first day of the lunar fortnight. In the English calendar, it usually falls in September and October.

The festival spans nine nights, during which devotees pray, participate in Dandiya Raas and Garba, and offer prasad to Goddess Durga. Durga Puja is celebrated on the sixth day of Navaratri, lasting four days, and concludes with Vijaya Dashami.

Navratri Calendar 2024

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Religious Significance of Navratri

According to mythology, various tales explain the origins of Navratri. One story tells of Mahishasur, the King of Demons, who waged war against the gods in heaven. In response, all the gods, including the trinity of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, combined their divine powers to create Goddess Durga, the embodiment of power and ‘Shakti’. After nine nights of intense battle, Durga defeated Mahishasur. The tenth day, marking her victory is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Another tale involves Lord Rama, who was preparing to battle Ravana to rescue Sita from captivity in Lanka. Before the battle, Rama worshipped Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings. He needed 108 lotuses for the puja, and when he was about to offer one of his eyes to complete the count, Goddess Durga appeared and blessed him with her divine ‘shakti’. Rama won the battle that day. Additionally, Uma, the daughter of Daksh, the king of the Himalayas, is believed to come home for ten days during Navratri. Married to Lord Shiva, this festival celebrates her return to earth.

Nine Navratri Days and Avatars of Goddess Durga

For nine nights, people celebrate Navratri with deep devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Goddess Durga, and devotees wear specific colours corresponding to each day.

Day 1: Shailaputri or Pratipada

• Date: 15 October 2024
• Significance: Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. ‘Shaila’ means mountain, and ‘putri’ means daughter. As the daughter of the Mountain God, Goddess Parvati is honoured on this day. 

Day 2: Brahmacharini or Dwitiya

• Date: 16 October 2024
• Significance: Goddess Brahmacharini, a form of Durga who symbolises the reduction of anger, is worshipped.

Day 3: Chandraghanta or Tritiya

• Date: 17 October 2024
• Significance: Devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, who is believed to have a third eye and fight against evil demons. Jasmine flowers are offered during puja to please her. 

Day 4: Kushmanda or Chaturthi

• Date: 18 October 2024
• Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, whose name means ‘cosmic egg’. She is known for spreading energy and warmth to all.

Day 5: Skandamata or Panchami

• Date: 19 October 2024
• Significance: Devoted to Goddess Skandamata, who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered for her fierce yet loving nature.

Day 6: Katyayini or Shashti

• Date: 20 October 2024
• Significance: On Shashti, Goddess Durga takes the form of Devi Katyayani to defeat the King of Demons. Women offer prayers for a peaceful married and family life.

Day 7: Kalaratri or Saptami

• Date: 21 October 2024
• Significance: This day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, known for her fierce nature and her ability to terrify evil spirits throughout the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn).

Day 8: Mahagauri or Ashtami

• Date: 22 October 2024
• Significance: On this day, people worship Mahagauri, who is depicted wearing white clothes and riding a bull. Kanya Puja, a special event dedicated to young virgin girls, is celebrated. This day is also known as Mahashtami or Maha Durgashtami and is marked with dance, fun, and prayers.

Day 9: Siddhidaatri or Navami

• Date: 23 October 2024
• Significance: Devoted to Devi Siddhidaatri, who is believed to have the power to fulfil all wishes. The ninth day is dedicated to her.

Day 10: Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra)

• Date: 24 October 2024
• Significance: After nine days of prayers, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi, a time to begin new endeavours. It is also called Vidyarambham, marking the introduction of children to the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is an important part of the rituals on this day.

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Rituals During Navratri

During the nine nights of Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped in three distinct forms:

• First Three Days: She is worshipped as ‘Shakti,’ the deity of power.
• Next Three Days: She is revered as Lakshmi, the deity of wealth.
• Last Three Days: She is honoured as Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom.

Devotees often observe fasts, abstaining from grains, onions, meat, and alcohol. Special Navratri meals are prepared in North India to accommodate those who are fasting. In Eastern India, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, the most significant festival of the year. Large pandals are set up and illuminated with lights, and various cultural activities take place during this time.

In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Navratri dance is known as Garba and Dandiya, where locals dance in traditional attire with dandiya sticks in hand. In Goa, special jatras begin during Navratri, and Saraswat Brahmin temples are adorned for the festival. Devotees worship the Dasha Maitrikas with sandalwood paste, kumkum, and new clothes and ornaments. In Kerala, on the ninth day, Ayudha Puja is performed to bless all the tools in the house.

Colours of Navratri 2024

3 October 2024, Thursday (Day 1) – Yellow

Significance: Wearing yellow brings happiness and positivity into one’s life. This colour signifies warmth and joy, helping you feel calm and cheerful throughout the day and the year.

4 October 2024, Friday (Day 2) – Green

Significance: Green symbolises fertility, positive growth, calmness, and peace. Wearing green on this day signifies new auspicious beginnings and brings serenity into your life.

5 October 2024, Saturday (Day 3) – Grey

Significance: Grey represents a balance of mind and emotions. As an earthy colour, it signifies humility and a down-to-earth lifestyle. Wearing grey on this day stands for change and transformation for the better.

6 October 2024, Sunday (Day 4) – Orange

Significance: Orange is a vibrant colour that brings happiness, creativity, and positive energy. Wearing orange helps you approach problems with a calm mind and no negative feelings.

7 October 2024, Monday (Day 5) – White

Significance: White symbolises peace and harmony. Wearing white on this day brings feelings of security, happiness, and purity of thought.

8 October 2024, Tuesday (Day 6) – Red

Significance: Red is a powerful colour that signifies love, passion, and bravery. Wearing red helps devotees be blessed with vitality, loyalty, and beauty for the year.

9 October 2024, Wednesday (Day 7) – Royal Blue

Significance: Royal blue signifies elegance and royalty. Wearing royal blue brings charisma and a passion to excel in whatever you aim for in life.

10 October 2024, Thursday (Day 8) – Pink

Significance: Pink represents affection, harmony, and goodness. Wearing pink invokes love towards humanity and charm, making you loved by all.

11 October 2024, Friday (Day 9) – Purple

Significance: Purple signifies peace and nobility. Wearing purple on this day brings prosperity and opulence, pleasing Durga Devi perfectly.

12 October 2024, Saturday (Day 10) – Peacock Green

Significance: Peacock green represents individuality and intelligence. Wearing this colour brings peace, uniqueness, and compassion towards others, benefiting from the qualities of both green and blue.

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FAQs on Navratri 2024

1. What is Navratri?Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. It symbolises the victory of good over evil and is marked by fasting, prayers, dance, and cultural festivities.
2. When is Navratri 2024 celebrated?Navratri 2024 will commence on Thursday, 3 October 2024, and conclude with Vijaya Dashami on Saturday, 12 October 2024.
3. What are the key dates for Navratri 2024?Key dates for Navratri 2024 include Ghatasthapana on 3 October 2024, Durgashtami on 11 October 2024, Maha Navami on 11 October 2024, and Vijaya Dashami on 12 October 2024.
4. What is the significance of the festival of Navratri?Navratri signifies the nine nights of battle between good and evil, culminating in the victory of good. It celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
5. How is Navratri celebrated in different regions of India?Navratri is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In Northern India, fasting and prayers are involved. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, people perform Garba and Dandiya dances. In Eastern India, Durga Puja is celebrated with grand pandals and cultural activities. In Goa, special jatras and temple decorations mark the festival, while in Kerala, Ayudha Puja is performed.
6. What are the rituals during Navratri?During Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped in three forms: as Shakti (power) for the first three days, as Lakshmi (wealth) for the next three days, and as Saraswati (knowledge) for the last three days. Devotees observe fasts, abstain from grains, onions, meat, and alcohol, and prepare special Navratri meals.
7. What is the significance of each day of Navratri?Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different avatar of Goddess Durga, symbolising various virtues. The first day is dedicated to Shailaputri, the second day is dedicated to Brahmacharini, the third day is dedicated to Chandraghanta, the fourth day is dedicated to Kushmanda, the fifth day is dedicated to Skandamata, the sixth day is dedicated to Katyayini, the seventh day, the eighth day, and the ninth day are dedicated to Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidaatri, respectively.
8. What are the colours of Navratri 2024?The colours for each day of Navratri 2024 are yellow on the first day, green on the second day, grey on the third day, orange on the fourth day, white on the fifth day, red on the sixth day, royal blue on the seventh day, pink on the eighth day, purple on the ninth day and peacock green on the tenth day.
9. What is the story behind the celebration of Navratri?Navratri has various mythological origins. One tale is about Goddess Durga’s battle and victory over the demon Mahishasura. Another story involves Lord Rama worshipping Goddess Durga to gain her blessings before battling Ravana. It also celebrates the return of Uma, daughter of King Daksh, to her home during Navratri.
10. How is Vijaya Dashami celebrated?Vijaya Dashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the end of Navratri and the victory of good over evil. It is a day for starting new ventures and introducing children to education (Vidyarambham). Rituals include Sindhoor Khela, where married women apply sindoor to each other.

What is the date of Navratri 2024?

When is Navratri 2024 celebrated? Navratri 2024 will commence on Thursday, 3 October 2024, and conclude with Vijaya Dashami on Saturday, 12 October 2024.