Sharad Navratri 2024: Dates, Significance, and Celebrations
Sharad Navratri 2024 will begin on Thursday, 03 October 2024 and continue for nine days until Friday, 11 October 2024.
Navratri is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, observed with devotion, love, and enthusiasm by Hindus across the country. Also known as Navratras, it is a colorful and vibrant festival that combines worship with celebration through song and dance. The word “Navratri” translates to “Nine Nights” (Nav means nine, and Ratri means nights).
The Nine Nights of Navratri
These nights are dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga (Maa Durga), who is considered the embodiment of the absolute energy that powers the universe. Prayers and rituals are performed in devotion to Maa Durga during Navratri, as she is believed to bless her devotees, removing evils and ensuring a smooth life.
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Navratri 2024 Occurs Twice a Year
Vasant Navratri, celebrated in March/April, is popular among householders, while Sharad Navratri, observed in September/October, is known for success in endeavors. This year, Sharad Navratri will commence on Thursday, 03 October and last until Friday, 11 October. According to legend, Lord Rama performed Navratri to gain the spiritual power needed to defeat Ravana.
Schedule of Navratri 2024
Each night of Navratri is dedicated to different forms of Maa Durga:
- Maa Shailputri – Daughter of Parvatraj Himalaya, wife of Lord Shiva.
- Maa Brahmacharini – Represents asceticism and devotion.
- Maa Kushmanda – Bestower of the basic necessities of life.
- Skand Mata – Grants the wisdom to distinguish between right and wrong.
- Maa Katyayani – Warrior against evil forces.
- Maa Kaalratri – Slayer of the demon Raktabeej.
- Maa Chamunda – Destroyer of demons Chanda and Munda.
- Maa Maha Gauri – Vanquisher of evil forces.
- Maa Siddhidatri – The source of supernatural powers and knowledge.
These nine days are also divided into three groups, each dedicated to different goddesses: Maa Durga (Goddess of Courage), Maa Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Maa Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge and Arts).
Lalita Panchami and Yagna
On the fifth day, Lalita Panchami, devotees gather their books, light a lamp, and invoke Maa Saraswati for wisdom and knowledge. On the eighth and ninth days, a Yagna (sacrifice) is performed to honor the Goddess and bid her farewell.
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Navratri Scriptures and Melodic Recitations
During Navratri, scriptures like the Durga Saptashati from the Markandeya Purana are recited, detailing how Goddess Durga was granted divine weapons by the gods to defeat Mahishasura. Devotees also participate in melodic Kirtans (devotional songs) in honor of Maa Durga.
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Article by: Jyotirvid Pawan Kumar
