Navratri 2024: 9 Sacred Nights

Navratri, the festival of nine sacred nights, holds profound significance in Hindu culture, heralding the worship of Goddess Durga in her various forms. In 2024, Navratri spans from October 3rd to October 12th. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different manifestation of the divine feminine, offering devotees a chance to immerse themselves in spiritual practices and receive the blessings of Maa Durga.

Navratri 2024 Dates:

Navratri Day 1: Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja – 03rd October 2024 (Thursday)
Navratri Day 2: Chandra Darshan, Brahmacharini Puja – 04th October 2024 (Friday)
Navratri Day 3: Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja – 05th October 2024 (Saturday)
Navratri Day 4: Vinayaka Chauth – 06th October 2024 (Sunday)
Navratri Day 5: Kushmanda Puja, Upang Lalita Vrat – 07th October 2024 (Monday)
Navratri Day 6: Skandamata Puja – 08th October 2024 (Tuesday)
Navratri Day 7: Saraswati Awahan, Katyayani Puja – 09th October 2024 (Wednesday)
Navratri Day 8: Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja – 10th October 2024 (Thursday)
Navratri Day 9: Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami – 11 October 2024 (Friday)
Navratri Day 10: Ayudha Puja, Navami Homam, Navratri Parana, Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami – 12th October 2024 (Saturday)

Introduction to Navratri 2024:

Navratri is a festival celebrated over nine nights, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Each night is dedicated to honoring the various incarnations of Goddess Durga, also known as the universal mother. Devotees across India observe Navratri with fervent devotion, seeking blessings, and divine protection.

Navratri 2024: Kinds of Navratri

According to the Hindu Panchang, Navratri is celebrated in five different forms:

• Paush Gupt Navratri
• Ashadha Gupt Navratri
• Magha Gupt Navratri
• Chaitra Navratri
• Sharada Navratri

Let’s explore these Navratri types briefly:

2024 Paush Gupta Navratri

Paush Gupta Navratri, also known as Shakambhari Navratri, is dedicated to Maa Shakambari and is celebrated during the Paush Shukla Paksha. It’s predominantly observed in regions like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

2024 Ashadha Gupta Navratri

Ashadha Gupta Navratri in 2024 starts from Saturday, July 06, 2024 till Monday, July 15, 2024.

Also referred to as Gayatri Navratri or Gupta Navratri, this Navratri falls during the Ashadha Shukla Paksha and is primarily observed by women in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It’s also celebrated in Himachal Pradesh under the name Guhya Navratri.

2024 Magha Gupta Navratri

Magha Gupta Navratri in 2024 starts from Saturday, February 10, 2024 till Sunday, February 18 2024.

Magha Gupta Navratri occurs during the Magh Shukla Paksha and is sometimes called Shishir Navratri. This Navratri holds special significance for Tantrik and Sadhus, offering devotees the opportunity to seek blessings through pujas.

2024 Vasant or Chaitra Navratri

Vasant Chaitra Navratri in 2024 starts from Tuesday, April 09, 2024 till Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Vasant or Chaitra Navratri takes place in the spring season and is one of the most celebrated Navratris. It culminates with Ram Navami, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. This Navratri is predominantly celebrated in regions like Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh.

Celebrations of Chaitra Navratri 2024

Chaitra Navratri festivities involve the worship of different goddesses each day:

• Goddess Shailputri: The first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the first form of Maa Durga. She rides on Bull with a lotus and trident in her hand.
  

  Mantra: “Om aim hring kleem chamundaye vichche”

• Goddess Brahmacharini: Second day honors Maa Brahmacharini, symbolizing care, love and loyalty. She also known as the compilation of knowledge and wisdom. She has rosary and kumbha in her hand. She also wears ornaments which are made of sacred beads of Rudraksha.
  

  Mantra: “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupen Sansthita |
  Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namoh Namah”

• Maa Chandraghanta: On the third day, devotees worship Maa Chandraghanta for peace and tranquility. On Maa Chandragrahantas’ forehead, the half circular moon is presented that’s why she is known as Chandraghanta. Maa has three eyes and ten hands, her looks present in golden color. Maa Chandraghanta is mostly worshipped by the people of Tamil Nadu.
  Mantra: “Ya Devi Sarvbhoote Shumaa Chandra-Ghanta-Rupen Sansthita|

  Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah||”

• Goddess Kushmanda: Bhima Parvat is the residence of Kushanda and she glitters like the sun rays. She mounts on tiger and has eight hands.
  

  Mantra: “Sura Sampurna Kalasam Rudhira Plutmev Cha |
  Dadhana Hastpad Mabhyam Kushmanda Shubh Dastu Me ||”

• Goddess Skandamata: Maa Skandamata is the ocean of wisdom who sits with her son (Skanda) in her lap, that’s why she known as Skanda Mata. She has three eyes and four hands.
  

  Mantra: “Sinhasan Gata Nityam Padmashrit Kardvaya |
  Shubhdastu Sada Devi Skanda Mata Yashashvini ||”

• Goddess Katyayani: Maa Katyayani is the sixth form of Maa Durga which is known to fulfil the desire of unmarried girl for good husband. Girls who observe fast for Maa and worship her, get blessed with desired husband and also girls who are getting late in marriage due to some unknown reason Maa Katyayani blessed them and they get married early.
  

  Mantra: “Chandra Hasojvalakara Shardul Var Vahna |
  Katyayini Shubham Dadhya Devi Dan Vaghatini ||”

• Maa Kaalratri: Goddess Kaalratri is the destroyer of ignorance and darkness. She brings light in her devotees’ life. She resembles in black or blue colour. Her vehicle is donkey.
  Mantra: “Ekveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharastitha |
  Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirani ||
  Vaampadolla Salloh Lata Kanthak Bhushna |
  Vardhan Murdha Dhvaja Krishna Kalratri Bhayankari ||”
• Maa Gauri: Maha Gauri appears in white like the Moon. She is the Goddess of compassion and harmony. She holds a drum in one hand and in other a trident.
  

  Mantra: “Shwete Vrishe Maha Rudha Shwetambardhara Shuchih |
  Maha Gauri Shubham Dadhyanmahadev Pramodada ||”

• Goddess Siddhidatri: Siddhatri is the Goddess of Shakti (power), who gives power to God Shiva. She the reason behind that Lord Shiva becomes Ardhanarishvara (half man and half woman).
  

  Mantra: “Sidhha Gandharvay khshadher Surair Marair Api |
  Sevya Mana Sada Bhooyat Siddhida Siddhidayini ||

2024 Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri in 2024 starts from Thursday, October 03, 2024 till Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Navratri, a festival brimming with cultural vibrancy and spiritual fervor, marks its pinnacle with Sharada Navratri, also known as Garba Navratri. Originating as a tradition among Gujarati communities, Garba dance has transcended regional boundaries to become a nationwide celebration, resonating with diverse cultures across India. As we embrace the arrival of Sharada Navratri, commencing from October 3rd, 2024, let us delve into the essence of this auspicious festival and the profound significance it holds.

Celebrating the Divine Feminine: Worshiping the Nine Forms of Maa Durga

Sharada Navratri encompasses a sacred devotion to the divine feminine through the worship of nine forms of Maa Durga. These manifestations include Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba/Jagdamba, Annapoorna Devi, Sarvamangala, Bhairavi, Chandika/Chandi, Lalita, Bhavani, and Mookambika. Embrace the spiritual journey of invoking blessings from these celestial entities in the year 2024.

Navigating the Nine Devis of Navratri

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to venerating a specific form of Maa Durga:

1. Devi Shailputri – First Day
2. Devi Brahmacharini – Second Day
3. Devi Chandraghanta – Third Day
4. Devi Kushmanda – Fourth Day
5. Devi Skanda Mata – Fifth Day
6. Devi Katyayani – Sixth Day
7. Devi Kalratri – Seventh Day
8. Devi Maha Gauri – Eighth Day
9. Devi Siddhidatri – Ninth Day

Embarking on the Journey of Navratri 2024: Nine Days and Nights of Reverence

Experience the profound rituals and customs that grace each day of Navratri:

• 1st – 3rd day: Dedication to Goddess Durga, symbolized by the germination of barley seeds in a bed of mud on the first day.
• 4th – 6th day: Reverence for Maa Lakshmi, the embodiment of knowledge and prosperity.
• 7th – 8th day: Worship of Saraswati Maa, the epitome of wisdom and knowledge, culminating in Yagya puja on the eighth day.
• 9th day (Mahanavmi): The culmination of Navratri with Kanya puja, honoring nine young girls as the embodiments of Maa Durga.

Captivating Attractions of the Navratri Festival

Navratri transcends geographical boundaries, with two timeless traditions uniting devotees across India:

• Gujarat: Experience the exuberance of Garba dance, adorning every corner with vibrant celebrations and traditional fervor.
• Durga Puja in Kolkata: Witness grand celebrations and elaborate puja ceremonies, epitomizing reverence for Goddess Durga.

Essential Puja Materials and Rituals for Navratri 2024

Prepare for Navratri with essential puja materials and rituals, including:

• Shringar Items for Maa Durga: Red bangles, sindoor, bindi, and other adornments.
• Akhand Jyoti: Illuminate your home with the perpetual flame, symbolizing purity and protection.
• Kalash: Symbolizing divine presence, filled with sacred offerings and adorned with Mauli.

Observing Navratri Vrat/Fast: A Spiritual Journey of Devotion

Partake in the spiritual journey of Navratri Vrat/Fast, offering bhog and observing rituals with unwavering devotion. Delight in falahar and perform aarti to invoke blessings from Maa Durga.

Indulge in Navratri Delicacies: Savor the Flavors of Tradition

Navratri festivities are incomplete without delectable delicacies, including Rajasi Aaloo, Sabudana Kheer, Kutu Paratha, and more. Embrace the culinary delights while honoring the fasting traditions.

Embrace Navratri Colours: A Kaleidoscope of Tradition

Adorn yourself in vibrant hues each day of Navratri, reflecting the spirit of devotion and celebration:

• Day 1: Grey
• Day 2: Orange
• Day 3: White
• Day 4: Red
• Day 5: Blue
• Day 6: Yellow
• Day 7: Green
• Day 8: Peacock Green
• Day 9: Purple

We hope this informations will help you to perform the Navratri with all the traditions and rituals. Celebrate Navratri 2024 with great enthusiasm get the blessings from the Maa and make this year for you great. Happy Navratri 2024 and enjoy!

We wish you all a very Happy Navratri 2024!