Navaratri, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and among Hindu communities worldwide. In 2024, Navaratri will be observed from October 03 to October 12, 2024. Each day of Navaratri is marked by unique rituals, colours, and traditions, bringing communities together in celebration and devotion.
प्रथमं शैलपुत्री च द्वितीयं ब्रह्मचारिणी।
तृतीयं चन्द्रघण्टेति कूष्माण्डेति. चतुर्थकम्।।
पंचमं स्कन्दमातेति षष्ठं कात्यायनीति च।
सप्तमं कालरात्रीति.महागौरीति चाष्टमम्।।
नवमं सिद्धिदात्री च नवदुर्गा: प्रकीर्तिता:।
उक्तान्येतानि नामानि ब्रह्मणैव महात्मना:।।
Day 1: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Tithi: Pratipada
Puja: Kalash Sthapana, Shailputri Puja
On the first day of Navratri, the celebration begins with Kalash Sthapana, an important ceremony where a holy pot, or kalash, is placed to signify the presence of Goddess Durga. Devotees honour Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Durga, symbolizing strength and wisdom. Yellow is the chosen colour for the day, representing happiness and vitality.
Day 2: Friday, October 4, 2024
Tithi: Dwitiya
Puja: Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja
The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, who symbolizes love, devotion, and tranquillity. Chandra Darshana, the ritual of moon sighting, is observed on this day. The colour green is worn, signifying growth and renewal.
Day 3: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Tithi: Tritiya
Puja: Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja
On the third day of Navratri, devotees honour Goddess Chandraghanta, revered for her courage and warrior essence. The Sindoor Tritiya ritual is also observed, symbolizing the power of married women. Grey, representing stability and serenity, is the colour associated with this day.
Day 4: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Tithi: Chaturthi
Puja: Vinayaka Chaturthi, Kushmanda Puja
This day aligns with Vinayaka Chaturthi, during which devotees pray to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for the successful completion of their tasks. Goddess Kushmanda is also honoured on this day, with orange, a colour symbolizing energy and warmth, being worn.
Day 5: Monday, October 7, 2024
Tithi: Panchami
Puja: Skandmata Puja
Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, is revered as the mother of Skanda (also known as Lord Murugan, the God of war). Her name is derived from two Sanskrit words: Skanda (God of war) and Mata (mother). The colour associated with Day 5 of Navratri is white, symbolising purity and innocence.
Day 6: Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Tithi: Shashthi
Puja: Katyayani Maa Puja
On the sixth day of Navratri, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped. She is honoured as the goddess of power and courage, helping to eliminate obstacles and granting strength to her devotees. The colour red, symbolizing vitality is associated with this day.
Day 7: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Tithi: Saptami
Puja: Saraswati Avahan, Kalratri Puja
The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kaalratri, a fierce and destructive form of Goddess Durga. Devotees typically wear royal blue, a colour that symbolizes richness, tranquillity, and depth. This shade mirrors the powerful yet soothing nature of Maa Kaalratri, embodying her ability to eliminate negativity while granting peace and strength to her devotees.
Day 8: Thursday, October 10, 2024
Tithi: Ashtami
Puja: Mahagauri Puja
The eighth day of Navratri, known as Durga Ashtami, is regarded as one of the most significant days of the festival. On this day, Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped. Her name, meaning "extremely white," symbolizes her purity and radiant beauty. The colour pink, representing universal love, affection, and harmony, is associated with this day.
Day 9: Friday, October 11, 2024
Tithi: Navami
Puja: Durga Ashtami, Siddhidatri Puja
The ninth day, or Navami, marks the end of Navratri with the worship of Goddess Siddhidatri, the bestower of spiritual and supernatural powers. The colour for this day is purple, representing luxury, grandeur, and nobility. Devotees who worship Navdurga while wearing purple are believed to receive blessings of wealth, abundance, and enhanced spiritual strength.
Rituals and Celebrations
During Navaratri, devotees engage in various rituals, including:
Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts during these nine days, consuming only fruits and specific vegetarian dishes.
Prayers and Pujas: Daily prayers and special pujas (worship ceremonies) are held in homes and temples, where devotees chant mantras and sing hymns in honour of the Goddess.
Garba and Dandiya: In many states of India, especially Gujarat, people participate in Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional dance forms that celebrate the joy of the festival.
Durga Puja: In West Bengal and other parts of India, elaborate Durga Puja celebrations take place, where beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped, culminating in a grand immersion on the last day.
Our View:
Navratri is more than just a festival; it is a spiritual journey filled with prayers, fasting, and devotion. Each day offers a fresh opportunity to connect with the divine feminine energy embodied by Goddess Durga.
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