Shardiya Navratri, also known simply as Navratri, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor across India. Dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, this nine-day celebration falls in October this year, coinciding with the lunar month of Ashwin. The festival typically occurs between September and October according to the Gregorian calendar. Shardiya Navratri is considered the most important of the four Navratris observed throughout the year, with the others being Magha (winter), Chaitra (spring), and Ashadha (monsoon).
This year, Shardiya Navratri 2024 will be observed from October 3rd to 12th. The festival is characterized by a vibrant tapestry of rituals, fasts, and night vigils, all imbued with spiritual significance. Devotees engage in religious rituals such as kanya puja (worship of young girls), havan (fire rituals), and other observances. During this period, it is believed that Goddess Durga descends to Earth, bestowing her blessings and relieving her devotees of their hardships.
The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat, marking the commencement of the festival, will take place on October 3rd from 6:30 AM to 7:31 AM. The Abhijit Muhurat, another auspicious time slot, is slated to take place at 12:03 PM and will conclude at 12:51 PM. The nine-day festivities will commence on Thursday, October 3rd, with Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja marking the beginning of Shardiya Navratri. The festival will culminate on Saturday, October 12th, with Dussehra being celebrated on the same day.
Shardiya Navratri holds deep spiritual significance, commemorating the epic nine-day battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. This battle, which concluded with Mahishasura’s defeat on the tenth day, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. Dussehra, the tenth day of Shrad Navratri, celebrates Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king Ravana, marking the successful rescue of Goddess Sita.
It is important to note that Diwali will be celebrated on October 31st, which marks the night of Kartik Amavasya or Naraka Chaturdashi. On this day, it is widely believed that Goddess Lakshmi descends to Earth during the night, making it auspicious to perform Diwali puja after sunset.
