Navratri is a significant festival in India, celebrated to honor and worship Goddess Durga. This festival is observed with great enthusiasm across the country. Its importance is not limited to religious aspects but also holds cultural, traditional, and spiritual significance. Let’s find out when Navratre will begin in 2024, the auspicious timings for it, and the religious importance of this festival.
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When Does Navratri Begin in 2024?
In 2024, the Sharadiya Navratre will begin on Thursday, 3rd October 2024, and will conclude on Saturday, 12th October 2024. This nine-day festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. Each day is devoted to one form of the Goddess, and devotees perform rituals and prayers to seek her blessings.
Auspicious Timings for Navratri
The beginning of Navratre is marked by the ritual of Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), which is of great importance. Ghatasthapana is the installation of a sacred pot, symbolizing the invocation of Goddess Durga. It must be done at the right auspicious time to ensure divine blessings.
Auspicious Timing for Ghatasthapana
On 3rd October 2024, the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is between 6:32 AM and 8:48 AM. Additionally, the Abhijit Muhurat, considered highly favorable, will be between 11:45 AM and 12:33 PM. Performing Ghatasthapana during these times ensures the grace and protection of the Goddess throughout the festival.
Religious Significance of Navratri
Navratre holds great importance in Hinduism as it is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It is believed that during these nine days, the Goddess descends to earth to bless her devotees and fulfill their desires. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and prayers and rituals are performed accordingly.
Here are the nine forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratre:
- Shailaputri – Daughter of the mountains, Goddess Parvati.
- Brahmacharini – Goddess of penance and devotion.
- Chandraghanta – Symbol of bravery and courage.
- Kushmanda – Creator of the universe.
- Skandamata – Mother of Lord Kartikeya.
- Katyayani – Goddess of war.
- Kalaratri – Destroyer of all evil and negative energies.
- Mahagauri – Goddess of purity and peace.
- Siddhidatri – Giver of all siddhis (supernatural powers).
Navratri Rituals and Practices
During Navratri, devotees observe fasting and perform special prayers to Goddess Durga. The daily ritual starts with taking a bath early in the morning, followed by offering prayers to the Goddess. The sacred pot, or Kalash, is installed, and devotees recite Durga Saptashati, a holy scripture dedicated to Goddess Durga. Offerings of fruits, flowers, coconut, and sweets are made to the deity.
Many devotees fast for all nine days, consuming only satvik (pure) food. On the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, Kanya Pujan is performed, where young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess and are offered food and gifts.
Navratri is a festival that symbolizes the power of devotion and spirituality. The nine days of this festival are not only for worship but also for self-discipline, spiritual growth, and inner purification. Proper rituals and following the auspicious timings ensure that devotees receive the blessings of Goddess Durga.
In 2024, Navratri will begin on 3rd October. This festival provides a divine opportunity for devotees to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga for strength, peace, and prosperity in their lives.