Introduction to Shardiya Navratri 2024

Shardiya Navratri 2024, a vibrant and spiritually significant festival, is set to begin on October 3 and continue until October 12, 2024. This festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura. Each of her nine avatars symbolizes different virtues and qualities, making this celebration not just a religious one but also a moral and cultural milestone in the Indian calendar.

Starting Navratri 2024

Navratri 2024 officially starts on October 3 with the beginning of the festival. The celebration concludes on October 12 with the festival of Dussehra, marking the triumph of good over evil. Devotees worship Goddess Durga and adhere to certain fasting rules. These practices include consuming specific foods such as those prepared with ghee or mustard oil, maintaining celibacy, and abstaining from non-vegetarian foods, garlic, and onions.

Colors of Navratri 2024: Royal Blue and More

The colors of Navratri are decided based on the nine forms of Goddess Durga, also known as Navadurga. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific form of the Goddess, and devotees are encouraged to wear clothes of the corresponding color to honor her. In 2024, the color of Navratri is Royal Blue, which is significant as it corresponds to Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga worshipped on the Ashtami Tithi.

The color Royal Blue is chosen for Mahagauri as she is known for her extremely white and beautiful form. This color is significant as it symbolizes purity, wisdom, and divine energy.

However, red, one of the nine colors of Navratri, is particularly powerful. It denotes strength, power, and fierce protection. Red is often associated with the sixth day of Sharad Navratri 2024, when Goddess Katyayani is worshipped. Katyayani is known for her fierce form and is a symbol of immense power and strength.

Navratri 2024: Dates, Worship Guide, and Dos and Don’ts

Navratri is a nine-day festival that involves several rituals and activities. In 2024, the dates are as follows:

Day 1: October 3 (Ghatasthapana) - Setting up a sacred Kalash. Day 2: October 4 - Bhumi Puja (Worship of the Earth). Day 3: October 5 - Narasimha Puja (Worship of Lord Narasimha). Day 4: October 6 - Chandranandan Puja (Worship of Lord Chandranandan). Day 5: October 7 - Kalaratri Puja (Worship of Goddess Kalaratri). Day 6: October 8 - Shashthi Puja (Worship of Goddess Shashthi). Day 7: October 9 - Durgashtami (Ashtami Puja) - Worship of Goddess Katyayani. Day 8: October 10 - Durganavami (Navami Puja) - Worship of Goddess Maha Gauri. Day 9: October 11 - Mahanavami - Immersion of nouvel Kalash and Garba/Dandiya Raas. Day 10: October 12 - Dussehra - Observing prasad and special festivities.

How to Worship:

Perform Ghatasthapana on the first day to set up a sacred Kalash. Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets as daily puja offerings. Chant specific mantras and prays for blessings. Observe a satvik diet on all days. Perform Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami to honor young girls.

Dos:

Meditate and maintain cleanliness. Practice charity and self-reflection. Aim to honor young girls through Kanya Pujan.

Dont’s:

Avoid consuming meat, alcohol, and non-vegetarian items. Refrain from cutting hair, nails, and engaging in negative behavior.

May this Navratri bring peace, prosperity, and divine blessings to you and your family!

Conclusion:

Navratri 2024 is a time of spiritual and cultural significance. It is a time for devotion, fasting, fasting rules, and caretaking activities. The festival is a reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil, and it encourages the celebration of loyalty, self-discipline, and victory over negativity. By adhering to the dos and don’ts and participating in the various rituals and festivities, you can fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Navratri 2024.