Navratri 2024 is set to be celebrated in October, marking one of the most significant festivals in Hindu tradition—Shardiya Navratri. This auspicious festival, dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, begins on the first day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashwin and ends on the ninth day, known as Navami.
Shardiya Navratri 2024 Date and Significance
Shardiya Navratri is named after the season of autumn (Sharad Ritu), during which it is celebrated. This Navratri is considered highly significant as it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, it was during Navratri that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga to seek her blessings to defeat Ravana. The festival concludes with Dussehra or Vijayadashami, symbolizing Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India.
This year’s Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 3, 2024, and conclude with Durga Visarjan on October 13, 2024.
Important Dates for Shardiya Navratri 2024
- October 3, 2024 (Thursday): Day 1 – Maa Shailputri Puja, Ghatasthapana (Yellow)
- October 4, 2024 (Friday): Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini Puja (Green)
- October 5, 2024 (Saturday): Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja (Brown)
- October 6, 2024 (Sunday): Day 4 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja (Brown)
- October 7, 2024 (Monday): Day 5 – Maa Kushmanda Puja (Orange)
- October 8, 2024 (Tuesday): Day 6 – Maa Skandamata Puja (White)
- October 9, 2024 (Wednesday): Day 7 – Maa Katyayani Puja (Red)
- October 10, 2024 (Thursday): Day 8 – Maa Kalaratri Puja (Blue)
- October 11, 2024 (Friday): Day 9 – Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami, Maa Mahagauri Puja (Pink)
- October 12, 2024 (Saturday): Day 10 – Maa Siddhidatri Puja, Vijayadashami/Dussehra (Purple)
- October 13, 2024 (Sunday): Durga Visarjan
Navratri 2024 and the Nine Colors:
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color that devotees wear during the puja to invoke the blessings of the goddess. The nine colors for Navratri 2024 are:
- Yellow
- Green
- Brown
- Brown
- Orange
- White
- Red
- Blue
- Pink
- Purple
The Symbolic Ride of Goddess Durga in 2024
In 2024, Shardiya Navratri begins on a Thursday, and according to astrology, Goddess Durga is believed to arrive on a palanquin (Doli). While her arrival on a palanquin is considered a sign of impending natural calamities or pandemics, it also signifies the goddess coming closer to the earth to protect her devotees.
As we approach Navratri 2024, the festival will not only inspire devotion and prayer but also serve as a reminder of the enduring cultural and spiritual significance of these nine divine nights.