Navratri 2024: Important Dates, Timings, and Religious Significance

Navratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, symbolises the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with immense devotion and fervour across India. In 2024, Shardiya Navratri will commence on Thursday, October o3, marking the beginning of nine auspicious days dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. This festival holds special significance, as it not only glorifies the power of the divine feminine but also signifies the arrival of the festive season.

Shardiya Navratri 2024: Dates and Timings

Navratri 2024: Rituals and Traditions

Navratri rituals vary across different regions of India, but the essence remains the same—devotion and reverence towards the supreme Goddess Durga. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, a sacred ritual of establishing a Kalash (earthen pot) that symbolises Goddess Durga and the universe’s creative power. This pot is filled with holy water, placed with a coconut, and worshipped throughout the nine days.

Every day of Navratri is associated with a specific avatar of Goddess Durga, each embodying distinct virtues and energies. Special pujas, aartis, and chanting of mantras are performed to invoke the blessings of these avatars:

• Day 1: Shailaputri – Represents strength and courage. A red-coloured attire is worn, and cow ghee is offered.


• Day 2: Brahmacharini – Symbolises piety and austerity. Sugar is offered as Prasad, and white attire is worn.


• Day 3: Chandraghanta – Signifies bravery and grace. Milk or milk-based products are offered, and yellow is worn.


• Day 4: Kushmanda – Brings health and well-being. Malpua is offered, and green attire is preferred.


• Day 5: Skandamata – Bestows power and prosperity. Bananas are offered, and the colour grey is worn.


• Day 6: Katyayani – Encourages protection and abundance. Honey is offered as Prasad, and orange attire is worn.


• Day 7: Kalaratri – Represents the destructive power to eliminate evil. Jaggery is offered, and white attire is worn.


• Day 8: Mahagauri – Signifies peace and endurance. Coconut is offered, and pink attire is preferred.


• Day 9: Siddhidatri – Bestows wisdom and enlightenment. Sesame seeds are offered, and light blue is worn.

Devotees often fast during these nine days, abstaining from grains, non-vegetarian food, and alcohol. The fasting is seen as a means to purify the mind and body while expressing devotion towards the Goddess.

Navratri 2024: What Makes Shardiya Navratri Special?

Shardiya Navratri, also known as Maha Navratri, is considered the most prominent of all Navratris, making it an essential observance in the Hindu calendar. Falling in the lunar month of Ashwin, during the autumn season known as Sharad Ritu, the festival’s name “Shardiya Navratri” is derived from this seasonal reference. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a unique manifestation of Goddess Durga, known collectively as Navdurga. These days are marked by various rituals, prayers, fasting, and offerings that seek to invoke the blessings of the Goddess for prosperity, health, and spiritual awakening.