When is Navratri 2024: Dates, Time, Rituals, Significance and More

Shardiya Navratri, also known as Shrad Navratri, is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India and is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This nine-day festival takes place in the lunar month of Ashwin, which usually falls between September and October in the Gregorian calendar.

Among the four Navratris observed throughout the year – Magha (winter), Chaitra (spring), Ashadha (monsoon) and Sharad or Shardiya (autumn) – Shardiya Navratri is considered the most important and is often referred to as Maha Navratri.

ORIGIN

The festival culminates on the tenth day with Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, which marks the end of the celebrations.

This period commemorates the fierce battle between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, which lasted nine days and culminated in his defeat on the tenth day.

This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Furthermore, Dussehra is significant for another reason: it celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, which led to the rescue of the goddess Sita.

In 2024, Shardiya Navratri will end on Saturday, October 12 and Dussehra will be celebrated on the same day.

DAYS AND TIMES

Navratri 2024 will be celebrated from October 3 to 12 and will include a series of vibrant and spiritually significant rituals.

The festival begins on Thursday, October 3, with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja, marked by the color yellow.

The following day, Friday, October 4, will feature Chandra Darshana and Brahmacharini Puja, represented by green.

On Saturday, October 5, the focus shifts to Sindoor Tritiya and Chandraghanta Puja with the color grey.

Sunday, October 6, is dedicated to Vinayaka Chaturthi, symbolized by orange.

Later in the week, Monday October 7th will feature Kushmanda Puja and Upang Lalita Vrat, with white being the associated color.

Tuesday, October 8, is reserved for Skandamata Puja, represented by red, while Wednesday, October 9, Saraswati Avahan and Katyayani Puja will take place, with royal blue being the theme color.

On Thursday, October 10, devotees will take part in Saraswati Puja and Kalaratri Puja, represented by Rosa.

The celebrations reach their climax on Friday, October 11, with Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja highlighted by the color purple.

The festival ends on Saturday, October 12, with Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Vijayadashami and Durga Visarjan, for which no specific color is specified.

For those observing Vijayadashami, the timing details are as follows: The Dashami Tithi begins on October 12 at 10:58 am and ends on October 13 at 9:08 am.

Shravana Nakshatra begins on October 12 at 5:25 am and ends on October 13 at 4:27 am.

The auspicious Vijay Muhurat will be held on October 12 between 2:03 pm and 2:49 pm, while the Aparahna Puja will be held on October 13 from 1:17 pm to 3:35 pm.

MEANING

The festival honors the nine forms of Goddess Shakti, with each day dedicated to a different goddess.

It symbolizes justice and the triumph of good over evil and conveys moral values ​​such as bravery and virtue.

Many participants fast for the entire nine days, while others may only fast on the first two or last two days.

Beginning with the pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, devotees of Goddess Durga fast and pray and recite Durga Stotra and Durga Chalisa, believing that sincere devotion will fulfill their desires.

Each Navratri day is associated with a particular avatar of Durga, including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini and Chandraghanta.

Additionally, the festival is celebrated as a harvest festival and honors the goddess as the nurturing force behind life and creation.