Navratri 2024: Full 9-Day Schedule and Durga Puja Details

Navratri, the vibrant and spiritually enriching festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In 2024, this nine-day festival begins on Thursday, October 3 and concludes on Saturday, October 12. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific form of the goddess, along with unique rituals, colors, and offerings.

Here’s a detailed guide to the schedule for Navratri 2024, including significant rituals and the corresponding colors for each day.

Navratri 2024: Durga Puja Details and Rituals

Rituals: The festival begins with the Ghatasthapana ritual, where a sacred pot (kalash) is installed, symbolising the goddess's presence. Devotees pray to Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Durga, for strength and wisdom.Rituals: On the second day, devotees perform Chandra Darshana and worship Goddess Brahmacharini, who signifies love and devotion.Rituals: This day is marked by Sindoor Tritiya and worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta, known for her bravery and combat skills.Rituals: On this day, the festival coincides with Vinayaka Chaturthi, where devotees pray to Lord Ganesha, seeking his blessings for a smooth start to their endeavours.Rituals: Devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of Durga, who represents happiness and positivity.Rituals: This day is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, who signifies motherly love and is worshipped by those seeking peace and tranquillity.Rituals: On the seventh day, devotees invoke Goddess Katyayani, a fierce form of Durga, symbolising strength and courage.Rituals: The Ashtami day is significant for performing special pujas for Goddess Kalaratri, who is known to remove darkness and evil.Rituals: The final day of Navratri is marked by Durga Ashtami, during which devotees perform Sandhi Puja, a ritual that bridges the Ashtami and Navami.
This day culminates the festival, celebrating Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil. The tools and instruments used throughout the year are worshipped on Ayudha Puja.

Navrartri 2024: Significance

Shardiya Navratri is the most revered among the four Navratris observed in a year. It falls during the lunar month of Ashwin, coinciding with the autumn season (Sharad Ritu). This period is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Shakti, representing various virtues and strengths. The festivities are not only a spiritual journey but also a cultural celebration, especially prominent in states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, where women don traditional attire in nine vibrant colours, each symbolising a specific form of the goddess.

As Navratri approaches, devotees prepare to engage in a week of prayers, rituals, and festivities. This vibrant festival not only strengthens faith in the divine but also brings communities together in celebration and joy. The observance of specific colors and offerings each day adds a unique charm to this festival, making it a special time for many. Embrace the spirit of Navratri 2024 with devotion and enthusiasm as you celebrate the triumph of good over evil.