Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm in Northern and Eastern India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil, as symbolized by the worship of Goddess Durga, the deity of power, energy, and wisdom, over nine days.
Navratri 2024 Dates:
- Start Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
- End Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024, with Vijaya Dashami.
Key events during Navratri:
- Ghatasthapana: October 3, Thursday
- Durgashtami: October 11, Friday
- Maha Navami: October 11, Friday
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:23 AM – 10:18 AM (Ujjain, IST)
Pratipada Tithi: October 3, 12:19 AM – October 4, 2:58 AM
What is Navratri?
Navratri is celebrated twice a year—once during the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once during autumn (Sharad Navratri). In 2024, Sharad Navratri falls in October. Over nine days, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, participate in Garba and Dandiya Raas, and offer prasad.
Durga Puja, which is celebrated from the sixth day of Navratri, lasts four days and culminates in Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Navratri 2024 Dates:
- October 3: Ghatasthapana (Pratipada)
- October 4: Maa Brahmacharini Puja (Dwitiya)
- October 5: Maa Chandraghanta Puja (Tritiya)
- October 6: Maa Kushmanda Puja (Chaturthi)
- October 7: Maa Skandamata Puja (Panchami)
- October 8: Maa Katyayini Puja (Shashti)
- October 9: Maa Kalaratri Puja (Saptami)
- October 10: Maa Mahagauri Puja (Ashtami)
- October 11: Maa Siddhidaatri Puja, Maha Navami (Navami)
- October 12: Vijayadashami (Dasami)
Spiritual Significance of Navratri
There are two popular legends associated with Navratri:
- The Story of Mahishasura: Mahishasura, the demon king, waged a war against the gods. The gods, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, who fought and defeated Mahishasura after a nine-day battle. The tenth day, marking her victory, is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami.
- The Story of Lord Rama: Before fighting Ravana to rescue Sita, Lord Rama prayed to Goddess Durga for her blessings. After offering 108 lotuses in his puja, Durga blessed him, leading to his victory.
9 Avatars of Ma Durga
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of Goddess Durga’s nine avatars. Devotees wear specific colors and offer prayers to the respective goddess.
- Day 1 (October 3): Shailaputri – Goddess of the Mountains
- Day 2 (October 4): Brahmacharini – Symbol of penance and devotion
- Day 3 (October 5): Chandraghanta – Goddess who destroys evil
- Day 4 (October 6): Kushmanda – Creator of the universe
- Day 5 (October 7): Skandamata – Mother of Lord Kartikeya
- Day 6 (October 8): Katyayini – Goddess of courage and marriage
- Day 7 (October 9): Kalaratri – Fierce form, destroyer of darkness
- Day 8 (October 10): Mahagauri – Symbol of purity and peace
- Day 9 (October 11): Siddhidaatri – Granter of wishes and knowledge
Navratri is a perfect time to manifest anything in life. If you are facing trouble in life related to marriage, career, family, business, money or health or anything else, get a Navratri puja done and see the miracle. navratri 2024, navratri 2024, navratri 2024