When is Navratri 2024: Dates, time, rituals, significance and more

Shardiya Navratri, also known as Shrad Navratri, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated across India, dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This nine-day festival takes place during 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, often referred to as Maha Navratri.

ORIGIN

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

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

This victory symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Additionally, Dussehra is significant for another reason: it celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, leading to the rescue of Goddess Sita.

In 2024, Shardiya Navratri will conclude on Saturday, October 12, with Dussehra being observed on the same day.

DAYS AND TIMINGS

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

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

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

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

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

As the week progresses, Monday, October 7, highlights Kushmanda Puja and Upang Lalita Vrat, where white is the associated colour.

Tuesday, October 8, is reserved for Skandamata Puja, represented by red, while Wednesday, October 9, features Saraswati Avahan and Katyayani Puja, with royal blue as the theme colour.

On Thursday, October 10, devotees will engage in Saraswati Puja and Kalaratri Puja, represented by pink.

The festivities reach a crescendo on Friday, October 11, with Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, and Sandhi Puja, highlighted by the colour purple.

The festival concludes on Saturday, October 12, with Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Vijayadashami, and Durga Visarjan, for which no specific colour is designated.

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

Shravana Nakshatra will begin at 5:25 AM on October 12 and end at 4:27 AM on October 13.

The auspicious Vijay Muhurat is set between 2:03 PM and 2:49 PM on October 12, while the Aparahna Puja will take place from 1:17 PM to 3:35 PM on October 13.

SIGNIFICANCE

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

It symbolises righteousness and the triumph of good over evil, imparting moral values such as bravery and virtue.

Many participants observe fasting throughout the nine days, while others may fast on just the first two or the last two days.

Beginning on the Pratipada of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, devotees of Goddess Durga engage in fasting and worship, reciting the Durga Stotra and Durga Chalisa, with the belief that sincere devotion will fulfil their wishes.

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

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