Navratri 2024 Date: Navratri begins on Thursday, October 3, 2024, and ends on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Navratri, a Grand and auspicious Hindu festival spans nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine. The trinity of feminine powers—Shakti, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—is worshipped to receive their blessings. There is a total of four Navratris in a year, but only two—Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri—are celebrated widely. Navaratri symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness.
Significance of Navratri
The word Navratri comes from the Sanskrit words "nava," meaning nine, and "ratri," meaning night. Goddess Parvati, incarnated as Goddess Durga in nine forms, is honoured uniquely every day. It commemorates the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, also known as Navadurga. These goddesses are
- Shailaputri- Daughter of the Mountain (Shaila)
- Brahmacharini - The Celibate Goddess.
- Chandraghanta- The Moon-Houred Goddess
- Kushmanda - The Creator of the Universe
- Skandamata - The Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)
- Katyayani - The Warrior Goddess
- Kalaratri - The Dark Night Goddess
- Mahagauri - The Great Goddess
- Siddhidatri - The Bestower of Siddhis (Spiritual Powers)
People celebrate this festival by observing fasts and offering special poojas to Goddess Durga. This Navratri festival is celebrated across the country in various ways.
Navratri is a time of spiritual rejuvenation, devotion, and cultural celebration. Young women and married women play integral roles in the festivities. For young women, it is a time to seek blessings for a suitable life partner and marital bliss. For married women, it is an opportunity to pray for the well-being of their spouses and children.
Related Article: Celebrate Navratri - Nine divine forms of Goddess Durga
Celebration of Navratri in India
Navratri is celebrated with varied customs and traditions across different regions of India.
North India: In North India, Navratri is marked by fasting, prayer, and cultural events. Temples are beautifully decorated, and devotees participate in special pujas (worship rituals).
- West Bengal: Known as Durga Puja, this region celebrates Navratri with elaborate decorations, cultural performances, and delicious food. Idols of Goddess Durga, symbolizing her victory over Mahishasura, are worshipped, and grand processions lead to the immersion of the idols in water bodies on the final day.
- Gujarat: In Gujarat, Navratri is synonymous with the energetic and colourful dance forms of Garba and Dandiya Raas. People dress in traditional attire and dance to the rhythm of folk music, celebrating the festival with unparalleled enthusiasm.
- Maharashtra: In Maharashtra, families perform Ghatasthapana, the installation of a sacred pot symbolizing the goddess. Special meals, including traditional sweets, are prepared, and women often dress in vibrant saris, exchanging gifts and participating in community events.
South India: In the southern states, Navaratri is celebrated by arranging "Golu" or "Bommai Kolu," a display of dolls and figurines on stepped platforms. These displays depict various scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life. Special prayers, music, and dance performances are an integral part of the celebrations.
- Mysore: During this festival, Mysore's tradition celebrates the valour of warriors and the kingdom’s fight for good. The festivities feature the kingdom's swords, weapons, elephants, and horses, along with worship of the Hindu Goddess Devi in her warrior form and primarily Lord Vishnu in his avatar as Rama.
Navratri puja at Home
- On the first day, prepare the Kalash by spreading a red cloth, placing a picture of Ma Durga, and setting up red soil with barley seeds.
- Install an earthen pot with Ganga Jal, Kumkum or Roli, mango leaves, rice, and a coconut wrapped in red cloth.
- Light the lamp and incense sticks.
- Offer flowers and decorate Ma Durga's picture or idol with vermilion, Chandan, and turmeric paste.
- Sprinkle water on the barley seeds.
- Offer specially prepared dishes.
- Perform Arati to Maa Durga.
- Distribute prasad to family members and guests.
Note: Perform these rituals every day for all nine days of Navratri.
As Navratri draws near, embrace this festival with joy and devotion. May the divine energy of Goddess Durga fill your lives with positivity and strength. Celebrate this auspicious time with your family, friends, and neighbors, and let the vibrant festivities bring happiness and unity into your homes.