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Shardiya Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant and highly celebrated festivals, commemorating the devotion of Goddess Durga. Everything is being prepared to commemorate Goddess Durga’s arrival, including new costumes and a special Navratri meal. It celebrates the nine avatars of Goddess Durga. Navratri literally translates to ‘nine nights’. There are two major Navratri’s that Hindus in India celebrate: the Vasant Navratri (March-April) and the Sharad Navratri (September-October), which also happens to be the most celebrated.Navratri is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals, celebrated with much enthusiasm and color. This nine-night festival is deeply cultural and spiritually significant, and it is commemorated by a variety of ceremonies and festivals around the country.
Navratri date, significance and ritual
In 2024, Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 3 and end on October 11. The event lasts nine nights, culminating with the celebration of Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) on October 12. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a distinct manifestation of the Goddess, and ritual times frequently vary according to local customs and traditions.
According to Drik Panchang, the Ghatasthapana Muhurat begins at 6:15 a.m. and ends at 7:22 a.m. Ghatasthapana symbolizes the start of Navratri puja.
The event is dedicated to Goddess Durga’s nine forms, which represent power, prosperity, and protection. Each day is associated with a specific form called ‘Navadurga.’ Navratri is a period of spiritual introspection, discipline, and dedication. It encourages adherents to cleanse their thoughts, and bodies and seek divine blessings.
The festival fosters a sense of community and cultural identity. It is celebrated with dance, music, and various local traditions, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture.
For nine nights, people observe the festival with utmost devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of the goddess Durga. Based on this, devotees have to wear the right colours each day. Hence, each day of Navratri is associated with a different colour.
Navratri Day 1: Orange (Maa Shailputri)
The first day of Navratri begins with the beautiful colour orange and the Shailaputra Pooja. The goddess Shailputri is represented with two hands and a crescent moon on her forehead. Devotees worship Maa Shailaputri on the first day, which is October 3, 2024.
Ghatasthapana, also known as Maa Shilaputri puja, is an important ceremony during Navratri since it marks the beginning of the nine-day celebration and the invocation of Goddess Durga. It is considered auspicious to perform Ghatasthapana in the early hours of the day when Pratipada prevails.
Navratri Day 2: White (Maa Brahmacharini)
The colour of Day 2 of Navratri is white. On this day, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped. She signifies loyalty and wisdom. And is the epitome of love. White represents purity, peace and harmony.
Navratri Day 3: Red (Maa Chandraghanta)
On this day, people wear red, the colour that signifies bravery, beauty and fearlessness. On this day, Goddess Chandraganta is worshipped to evade all sorrows, sins and other mental tribulations in one’s life. She rewards people with her vigour, grace and courage.
Navratri Day 4: Royal blue (Maa Kushmanda)
The colour royal blue signifies good health and prosperity. On this day, Goddess Kushmanda is given importance and is said to bless Mother Earth with good health.
Navratri Day 5: Yellow (Maa Skandamata)
The colour yellow stands for happiness and brightness. This day is dedicated to Goddess Skandmata– the one who purifies the devotee with her spiritual power. She is also known as the mother of Lord Kartikey or Skanda.
Navratri Day 6: Green (Maa Katyayani)
The green colour signifies new beginnings and growth. Hindus worship Goddess Katyayani on this day, and she is known for her courage.
Navratri Day 7: Grey (Maa Kaalratri)
The colour of this day is grey, indicating the transformation phase of a person. Hindus worship Goddess Kalaratri on this day. The goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demons and negative energies.
Navratri Day 8: Purple (Maa Mahagauri)
The colour purple on this day signifies peace and tranquillity. Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on this day, who has the power to fulfil all the desires of her devotees.
Navratri 9: Peacock green (Maa Siddhidatri)
Day nine is called Navami and is the last day of the Navratri festival. Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on this day. Peacock green is the colour of this day, and it indicates peace and intelligence.
Finally, on the tenth day, the Dussehra festival is celebrated. It is a period to commemorate the triumphs of good over evil, such as Durga’s victory over Mahishasur. In various parts of India, Dussehra commemorates the victory of the god Rama over the demon king Ravana.
