Navratri 2024: Complete 9-Day Schedule and Key Durga Puja Highlights

Navratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, is a celebration of the divine feminine and the victory of good over evil. In 2024, Navratri begins on October 3 and ends on October 12, followed by Durga Puja, a grand festival in states like West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar. Here’s everything you need to know about the full 9-day schedule of Navratri, rituals, fasting details, and Durga Puja highlights.

1. Dates and 9 Days of Worship

Navratri 2024 runs from October 3 to October 12, with each day dedicated to worshipping one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga.

1. Day 1 (October 3): Shailaputri – Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped on this day. She represents the power of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
2. Day 2 (October 4): Brahmacharini – This form of Durga symbolizes devotion and penance.
3. Day 3 (October 5): Chandraghanta – Goddess Chandraghanta signifies courage and bravery.
4. Day 4 (October 6): Kushmanda – Worshipped for prosperity and success.
5. Day 5 (October 7): Skandamata – She is the mother of Skanda (Lord Kartikeya) and represents motherly love.
6. Day 6 (October 8): Katyayani – Goddess Katyayani is known for her fierce form, symbolizing the destruction of evil.
7. Day 7 (October 9): Kalaratri – The most ferocious form of Durga, Kalaratri is worshipped to remove fear and evil.
8. Day 8 (October 10): Mahagauri – Symbolizes purity, peace, and wisdom.
9. Day 9 (October 11): Siddhidatri – Goddess Siddhidatri grants spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment of desires.

Each of these days carries deep spiritual significance, with rituals that focus on invoking the blessings of each specific form of the goddess.

2. Ghatasthapana and Rituals

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), a sacred ritual marking the invocation of Goddess Durga into a kalash (pot) filled with holy water. This is usually performed during an auspicious time on the first day of Navratri. The pot is decorated with flowers, coconut, and leaves, and it symbolizes life and energy.

Throughout Navratri, devotees observe fasting and perform special prayers to seek the blessings of the goddess. While some people fast all nine days, others observe fasting on specific days, depending on their devotion and ability.

3. Kanya Pujan: Celebrating Divine Femininity

One of the significant rituals during Navratri is Kanya Pujan, usually performed on Ashtami (Day 8) or Navami (Day 9). On this day, young girls, who are considered embodiments of the goddess, are worshipped. They are invited into homes, offered food, gifts, and sweets, and their feet are washed as a mark of respect and reverence.

4. Durga Puja: A Grand Celebration

Following the nine days of Navratri is the highly celebrated Durga Puja in regions like Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar. Durga Puja is a four-day festival that honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The puja begins on Sashti (October 9) and concludes on Vijaya Dashami (October 12).

The days of Durga Puja are marked by elaborate worship ceremonies, grand processions, and cultural performances. The entire event is vibrant, with beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga and her children—Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya—being displayed in pandals (temporary shrines) all over the region.

5. Key Rituals of Durga Puja

• Sashti (October 9, 2024): The goddess is invoked and welcomed through prayers and rituals.
• Saptami (October 10, 2024): The rituals and prayers become more intense, and the goddess is worshipped with fruits, flowers, and sacred chants.
• Ashtami (October 11, 2024): This is the most significant day of Durga Puja, marked by the performance of Kumari Puja (worship of young girls), and Sandhi Puja, conducted at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami.
• Navami (October 12, 2024): The final day of rituals is followed by the immersion of idols in rivers and water bodies, symbolizing the goddess’s return to her heavenly abode.

6. Vijaya Dashami and Sindoor Khela

Vijaya Dashami, celebrated on October 12, 2024, is the day when the idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water, signifying her departure. This day also marks the end of Durga Puja. One of the highlights of Vijaya Dashami is the ritual of Sindoor Khela, where married women apply vermilion (sindoor) on each other and pray for long, happy marital lives.

7. Garba and Dandiya Nights

In Gujarat and parts of western India, Navratri is synonymous with Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional dances performed in large groups. This festive atmosphere lasts all nine nights and attracts thousands of people who gather to dance in honor of the goddess.

8. Spiritual Significance

Navratri and Durga Puja celebrate the eternal battle between good and evil, and the victory of Goddess Durga signifies the triumph of righteousness, courage, and moral strength. It is a time for spiritual rejuvenation, introspection, and devotion to the divine feminine.

Conclusion

Navratri and Durga Puja are not just festivals but deeply spiritual events that unite families, communities, and cities in a shared sense of devotion. While each day of Navratri focuses on worshipping different forms of the goddess, Durga Puja captures the celebratory essence of her victory over evil. This 2024, from October 3 to October 12, is a time to immerse in devotion, fasting, dancing, and celebrating the divine energy that Goddess Durga represents.

Navratri pics

Delhi