Dates of Navratri in 2024: Sharadiya Navratri is a sacred and important festival of Hinduism, which is celebrated by worshiping nine forms of Goddess Durga. This festival falls during the autumn season in the month of Ashwin, hence it is called ‘Sharadiya Navratri’. Navratri means ‘nine nights,’ and during this time devotees worship different forms of Maa Durga.
During these nine days, special worship is done of the nine forms of Goddess Durga—Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. (Shardiya Navratri 2024 Date)
Fasting, meditation, and worship hold special significance during Sharadiya Navratri. Devotees observe fasts, eat satvik food, and pray to Goddess Durga for strength, happiness, and prosperity during these days. The festival culminates on the Dashami day as ‘Vijayadashami’ or ‘Dussehra’, which marks the victory of good over evil
Also read: When is Jaljhulani Ekadashi on 13th or 14th, auspicious time for worshiping Lord Ganesha and Shri Hari
When will the festival of Sharadiya Navratri start
According to the Panchang, the Pratipada date of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month will start at 12.19 am on October 3, and it will end the next day at 2.58 am on October 4. According to the Udaya date, Sharadiya Navratri will start from Thursday, October 3, 2024 and this festival will end on Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Auspicious time for Kalash installation
On the first day of Navratri, Kalash Sthapana is done on 3rd October, which is also called Ghat Saathapana. Along with this, Maa Shailputri, the first form of Maa Durga, is worshipped. On the first day of Navratri, a fast will be observed by worshipping Maa Shailputri. This year, the auspicious time for Ghat Sthapana i.e. Kalash Sthapana will be from 6.15 am to 7.22 am on 3rd October. Along with this, there is another auspicious time for Kalash Sthapana, which is Abhijit Muhurta, it will be from 11.46 am to 12.47 pm. Kalash Sthapana can be done during this time.
When is Sharadiya Durga Ashtami and Mahanavami
Durga Ashtami is celebrated on the day of Ashwin Shukla Tithi. This year Durga Ashtami is on 11 October, Friday. Kanya Pujan will be done on this day. According to the Hindu calendar, this year Mahanavami will also be celebrated on 11 October, but the Navami havan will be on 12 October, Saturday.
Sharaddiya Navratri 2024 Calendar
First day of Navratri: 3 October 2024, the day of worship of Mother Shailputri and Ghatasthapana.
Second day of Navratri: 4 October 2024, the day of worship of Mother Brahmacharini.
Third day of Navratri: 5 October 2024, the day of worship of Maa Chandraghanta.
Fourth day of Navratri: 6 October 2024, the day of worship of Maa Kushmanda.
Fifth day of Navratri: 7 October 2024, the day of worship of Mother Skandamata.
Sixth day of Navratri: 8 October 2024, the day of worship of Maa Katyayani.
Seventh day of Navratri: 9 October 2024, the day of worship of Maa Kalaratri.
Eighth day of Navratri: 10 October 2024, the day of worship of Maa Siddhidatri.
Ninth day of Navratri: 11 October 2024, the day of worship of Maa Mahagauri.
Vijayadashami: October 12, 2024, Durga Visarjan