Navratri 2024: Detailed Schedule, Importance, And Nine-Day EventThe first week of October 2024 is when the colorful and auspicious celebration of Navratri is scheduled to start. The celebration lasts for nine days, during which time the nine various incarnations of Goddess Durga are worshipped. On the tenth day, there is a festival called Dusshera, also known as Vijayadashami. Though regional customs differ, Navratri is widely celebrated throughout India as a celebration of good triumphing over evil.
Durga Puja and Navratri 2024: A Joyous October
There are many Hindu holidays in October 2024, with Durga Puja and Navratri taking center stage. The triumph of good over evil is symbolized by these festivals, which are observed across the nation and are characterized by cultural celebrations, fasting, and prayers.
Navratri is a nine-day celebration that ends on the tenth day with Dusshera in North India. On the other hand, the final four days of Navratri are observed as Durga Puja, a large celebration commemorating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, in states like West Bengal and other eastern regions of India.
As per the Drik Panchang, Navratri is scheduled to commence on October 3, 2024, following the conclusion of Pitri Paksha on October 2, 2024.
Navratri 2024: Day-Wise Calendar
Here’s a breakdown of the key rituals for each day of Navratri 2024:
Day 1: October 3 – Pratipada
Rituals: Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja
Day 2: October 4 – Dwitiya
Rituals: Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja
Day 3: October 5 – Tritiya
Rituals: Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja
Day 4: October 6 – Chaturthi
Rituals: Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi
Day 5: October 7 – Panchami
Rituals: Upang Lalita Vrat, Skandamata Puja
Day 6: October 8 – Shashthi
Rituals: Saraswati Avahan, Katyayani Puja
Day 7: October 9 – Saptami
Rituals: Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja
Day 8: October 10 – Ashtami
Rituals: Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja
Day 9: October 11 – Navami
Rituals: Maha Navami, Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa
Day 10: October 12 – Dashami/Dusshera
Rituals: Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami
Shardiya Navratri 2024: Significance and Celebrations
Known also as Shardiya, Navratri is celebrated in the autumnal lunar month of Ashwin. One of the biggest Hindu festivals, it is observed with great majesty and devotion. The celebration is especially well-liked in North India, where followers of Goddess Durga observe fasts and engage in ceremonies honoring her nine incarnations.
The final four days of Navratri are known as Durga Puja in West Bengal and other eastern regions, where there are elaborate ceremonies and celebrations. In most of India, the tenth day is marked as Dusshera, which signifies Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana. In Bengal, on the other hand, they celebrate Vijaya Dashami, which is the day when devotees bid Ma Durga farewell with Durga Visarjan.
The Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga :
Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to a specific avatar of Goddess Durga, and each avatar represents a unique aspect of the goddess’s power and virtues. Devotees offer specific prasad (sacred food) to these avatars to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and happiness.
Navratri and Durga Puja are times of devotion, celebration, and cultural vibrancy. The festival unites communities, with each region adding its unique flavor and traditions to the festivities. Whether celebrated as Navratri or Durga Puja, the essence remains the same – the triumph of good over evil, a theme that resonates deeply within the hearts of devotees.