Shardiya Navratri is a big festival in Northern and Eastern India, celebrating nine nights of good vs. evil, ending with good winning. It honors Mother Durga as powerful and wise. This year, Shardiya Navratri starts on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, and ends with Vijaya Dasami on Saturday, 12th October 2024.

Navratri, which means 'nine nights', starts the day after the new moon (Amavasya). The first nine days of the lunar cycle are seen as feminine, symbolizing Devi, the Divine's feminine side. The ninth day, called Navami, signals the end of this phase. The days around the full moon are neutral, and the next eighteen days are considered masculine. During the feminine phase, all worship is focused on Devi up to Navami.

Navratri Calendar 2024

• 3 October 2024, Thursday - Ghatasthapana - Pratipada
• 4 October 2024, Friday - Maa Brahmacharini Puja - Dwitiya
• 5 October 2024, Saturday - Maa Chandraghanta Puja - Tritiya
• 6 October 2024, Sunday - Maa Kushmanda Puja - Chaturthi
• 7 October 2024, Monday - Maa Skandamata Puja - Maha Panchami
• 8 October 2024, Tuesday - Maa Katyayini Puja - Maha Shashti
• 9 October 2024, Wednesday - Maa Kaalratri Puja - Maha Saptami
• 10 October 2024, Thursday - Maa Maha Gauri Puja - Maha Ashtami
• 11 October 2024, Friday - Maa Siddhidaatri Puja, Maha Navami - Maha Navami
• 12 October 2024, Saturday - Vijay Dashami - Dashami 

Religious Significance of Navratri

Navratri is a religious festival with deep mythological roots. One story tells of a demon king named Mahishasur who fought against the gods. The gods, including Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, united their powers to create Durga, symbolizing strength and power. After nine nights of fierce battles, Maa Durga defeated Mahishasur, and her victory is celebrated on Vijaya Dashami.

Another myth involves Lord Rama preparing to defeat Ravana to save Sita. Before the battle, Rama prayed to Goddess Durga for blessings. He needed 108 lotuses for his puja but was about to offer one of his eyes when Durga appeared and blessed him with her 'shakti'. Rama won the battle. Additionally, Uma, the daughter of Daksh, returns to earth for ten days during Navratri, celebrating her marriage to Lord Shiva.

Nine Navratri Days and Avatars of Goddess Durga

During Navratri, for nine nights, people pray intensely. They focus on a different form of Goddess Durga each night and wear colors related to that day.

Day 1: Shailaputri or Pratipada
Date: October 15, 2024
Goddess Shailaputri, daughter of the Mountain God Parvati, is honored.

Day 2: Brahmacharini or Dwitiya
Date: October 16, 2024
Goddess Brahmacharini, symbolizing anger's defeat, is worshipped.

Day 3: Chandraghanta or Tritiya
Date: October 17, 2024
Goddess Chandraghanta, known for her third eye and battle against demons, is worshipped. Jasmine flowers are offered.

Day 4: Kushmanda or Chaturthi
Date: October 18, 2024
Goddess Kushmanda, known as the 'cosmic egg', is worshipped for spreading energy and warmth.

Day 5: Skandamata or Panchami
Date: October 19, 2024
Goddess Skandamata, the ruler of Budha (Mercury), is worshipped for her fierce yet loving nature.

Day 6: Katyayini or Shashti
Date: October 20, 2024
Goddess Durga in the form of Devi Katyayani defeats the King of Demons, and women pray for peaceful family life.

Day 7: Kalaratri or Saptami
Date: October 21, 2024
Goddess Kalaratri, known for her fierce nature and ability to defeat evil spirits, is worshipped. She is the most powerful form of Kali Devi.

Day 8: Mahagauri or Ashtami
Date: October 22, 2024
People worship Mahagauri, who is depicted in white clothes and riding a bull. Kanya Puja is celebrated for young virgin girls. This day is also Mahashtami or Maha Durgashtami, celebrated with dance, fun, and prayers.

Day 9: Siddhidaatri or Navami
Date: October 23, 2024
Devotees offer prayers to Devi Siddhidaatri, believed to fulfill all wishes.

Day 10: Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra)
Date: October 24, 2024
After nine days of prayers, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi, a new start. It is also known as Vidyarambham, the day children start school. Sindhoor Khela is an important part of the rituals on this day.