Navratri, a splendid celebration of 'Nine Nights,' annually captivates India. India exuberantly observes four distinct Navratri festivals, among which the Shardiya Navratri stands as the most illustrious, illuminating the autumnal skies. Chaitra Navratri, another resplendent occasion, is celebrated in some regions of this diverse land. Magha and Ashadha Navratris, comparatively more discreet, bear the enigmatic title of "Gupt Navratris." In essence, the Shardiya Navratri 2024 weaves a vibrant tapestry of tradition and devotion across India.
When Is Shardiya Navratri?
Hindu auspicious festivals follow the Lunar calendar, which is why their dates vary each year according to the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Shardiya Navratri or Ashwin Navratri will be celebrated from October 3, 2024 (Thursday) to October 12, 2024 (Saturday).
This auspicious festival extends for nine nights, culminating in Dussehra or Vijayadashami. Shardiya Navratri falls on the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin. According to the Gregorian calendar, the occasion usually falls in September or October. The timing is such that Diwai falls on the Amavasya following Vijayadashami.
Check out the Shardiya Navratri 2024 Kalash Sthapana Muhurats given below.
Ghatasthapana Date - 3 October 2024 (Thursday)
Shardiya Navratri Kalash Sthapana Muhurat - 06:15 AM to 07:22 AM
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Timing - 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM
Pratipada Tithi (Starts) - 12:18 AM on 03 October, 2024
Forms of Goddess Durga Worshiped During Shardiya Navratri 2024
Here is the complete schedule for Shardiya Navratri 2024, including the nine forms of Goddess Durga that devotees worship on each day of the festival:
Day 1 (October 3, 2024, Thursday): Worship of Goddess Shailputri
Day 2 (October 4, 2024, Friday): Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini
Day 3 (October 5, 2024, Saturday): Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta
Day 4 (October 6, 2024, Sunday): Worship of Goddess Kushmanda
Day 5 (October 7, 2024, Monday): Worship of Goddess Skandamata
Day 6 (October 8, 2024, Tuesday): Worship of Goddess Katyayani
Day 7 (October 9, 2024, Wednesday): Worship of Goddess Kalaratri
Day 8 (October 10, 2024, Thursday): Worship of Goddess Mahagauri
Day 9 (October 11, 2024, Friday): Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri
Day 10 (October 12, 2024, Saturday): Durga Visarjan
The Story Behind Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri has many stories linked to it. One legend says that the period coincides with Lord Rama’s war with the Asura King Ravana. Lord Rama prayed to Goddess Devi (Mother Goddess) to bless him with success in the war. The Goddess blessed Shri Rama, enabling him to destroy Ravana on the tenth day, which coincides with Dussehra. Hence, you find people in the northern belt of India celebrating Dussehra by burning effigies of Ravana. It symbolizes that goodness prevails over evil.
Similarly, another story links this festival to Goddess Durga vanquishing the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, who is known to symbolize evil. The Goddess is the embodiment of power and wisdom. Therefore, this festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, with the Goddess being celebrated and worshiped in nine different forms during Shardiya Navratri.
The Nine Avatars of Maa Durga
Each Shardiya Navratri day is dedicated to a specific form of the goddess.
Day 1: Goddess Shailputri - The festival’s first day starts with worshiping the daughter of the mountains.
Day 2: Goddess Brahmacharini - Goddess Brahmacharini is the unwed avatar of Goddess Parvati, born at Daksha Prajapati’s house.
Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta - Goddess Chandraghanta is the Goddess of war. She has her third eye open and is always prepared to fight against demons.
Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda - Goddess Kushmanda has a radiant smile. She is luminous, and it is believed that she created the universe.
Day 5: Goddess Skandamata - Goddess Skandamata is the avatar that protects the world. Devotees seek her blessings for prosperity and protection.
Day 6: Goddess Katyayani - Goddess Katyayani is the avatar that slayed Mahishasura. She is also known as Mahisasuramardini.
Day 7: Goddess Kalaratri - This avatar is considered the fiercest. It symbolizes the destruction of evil and darkness.
Day 8: Goddess Mahagauri - Goddess Mahagauri blesses and fulfills all her devotees’ wishes and desires.
Day 9: Goddess Siddhidatri -This avatar is believed to fulfill all divine aspirations. She grants perfection in every activity that the devotees decide to do.
Shardiya Navratri is celebrated all over India in different ways. The Northern belt emphasizes Dussehra more than the nine nights of Navratri, whereas the Eastern India region celebrates Durga Puja during the Shardiya Navratri with tremendous enthusiasm. Have you ever been to Kolkata during Durga Puja? The entire city is abuzz with festivities, with people coming together to celebrate Durga Puja.
People in Western India celebrate Shardiya Navratri with the traditional folk dance Garba. In South India, Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the form of Golu, where they exhibit dolls and images of Gods on nine steps.
What Color Clothes to Wear for Shardiya Navratri ?
Indian festivals are colorful, and Shardiya Navratri is no exception. Tradition says that devotees should wear specified colored garments during each Navratri night. Wearing these specific colors for nine days and worshiping Goddess Durga will bring you auspicious results.
Here are the Shardiya Navratri 2024 colors.
Day 1 - Orange
Day 2 - White
Day 3 - Red
Day 4 - Royal Blue
Day 5 - Yellow
Day 6 - Green
Day 7 - Grey
Day 8 - Purple
Day 9 - Peacock Green
Special Food You Must Have During Shardiya Navratri
People observe fasts during the nine days of Navratri. So, they must know the foods they can consume during this period.
General food – You can have milk, sugar, honey, coconut milk, tea, dry fruits, nuts, popped lotus seeds (makhana), sabu-dana (sago), and fruits.
Vegetables – People usually eat pumpkins, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, unripe papayas, potatoes, and taro root (Arbi).
Flours and Grains – You can consume Roti from Singhare ka Atta, Rajgira ka Atta, Kuttu ka Atta, Barnyard millet, and Paniphal flour.
Spices and Herbs – It is better to use lemons, green chilies, cumin, ginger, rock salt, raw mango powder, carom seeds (Ajwain), dry pomegranate seeds, and black pepper powder for cooking.
Summing Up
Shardiya Navratri is the most popular Navratri festival celebrated all over the country. The nine days of the festival represent nine different avatars of Goddess Durga. Since the festival happens in the autumn season, it is known as Shardiya Navratri. This festival celebrates the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana. It culminates in Dussehra, signifying that good prevails over evil.
.jpg "Shardiya Navratri 2024: Nine-Day Worship Essentials, Dates & Kalash Sthapana Muhurat")
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