Navratri 2024 Puja Vidhi: Step-by-Step Guide for Navratri Rituals

Step-by-Step Guide for Navratri Rituals

Navratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated twice a year—in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and in the autumn (Sharad or Shardiya Navratri). In 2024, Shardiya Navratri will start on Thursday, October 3, and will be observed for nine days, ending with Dussehra or Vijayadashami on the 10th day.

This festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga, who is worshipped in her nine different forms, known as Navdurga. During these days, devotees perform rituals, observe fasting, and offer prayers to seek her blessings for good health, wealth, and prosperity.

Navratri 2024: Puja Vidhi / Rituals

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Here's a step-by-step guide to performing Navratri Puja Vidhi with devotion and precision.

Step 1: Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

• Begin by purifying the puja space with Gangajal or clean water.
• Place a clay pot filled with soil and sow barley seeds in it.
• Position a copper or brass Kalash (pot) on the soil and fill it with water, supari (betel nut), and coins.
• Place five mango leaves around the neck of the Kalash and cover it with a coconut wrapped in red cloth.

Step 2: Invoke Goddess Durga

• Light a lamp (diya) filled with ghee or oil in front of the Kalash.
• Recite Durga mantras and meditate on the form of Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings.
• Offer fresh flowers, akshat (rice grains), and kumkum to the Goddess.

Step 3: Offer Prasad and Bhog

• Prepare a variety of sattvic food items, including fruits, sweets, and kheer, as bhog (offering) to the Goddess.
• Offer it along with water and tulsi leaves while chanting mantras or the Durga Chalisa.

Step 4: Perform Aarti

• Light camphor and perform aarti while singing traditional Navratri bhajans or the Durga Aarti.
• Ring bells and clap hands to energise the atmosphere with positive vibrations.

Step 5: Navratri Fasting and Kanya Puja

• Devotees observing fasts can consume fruits, milk, and other vrat food items.
• On the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, perform Kanya Puja by worshipping nine young girls as the embodiment of Goddess Durga.

By following this Navratri Puja Vidhi, you can invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga and experience spiritual upliftment during this auspicious period.