Dates of Navratri 2024Start Date: October 3, 2024 – End Date: October 12, 2024

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. 1. Day 1 (October 3) - Shailaputri 2. Day 2 (October 4) - Brahmacharini 3. Day 3 (October 5) - Chandraghanta 4. Day 4 (October 6) - Kushmanda 5. Day 5 (October 7) - Skandamata 6. Day 6 (October 8) - Katyayani 7. Day 7 (October 9) - Kalaratri 8. Day 8 (October 10) - Mahagauri 9. Day 9 (October 11) - Siddhidatri

Rituals and FastingFasting: Many devotees observe strict fasting during Navratri, either for all nine days or only on specific days. – Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): The sacred invocation of Goddess Durga is done on Day 1.

Kanya Pujan – On Ashtami (Day 8) or Navami (Day 9), young girls (Kanjak/Kumari) are worshipped as representations of the goddess and offered food, gifts, and blessings.

Durga Puja 2024Durga Puja is celebrated from October 9, 2024 (Sashti) to October 12, 2024 (Vijaya Dashami), primarily in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Bihar. – It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

hodashopachara Pooja – Durga Puja involves Shodashopachara Pooja (16-step worship), which includes offering items like flowers, food, clothes, and vermilion to the goddess.

Major Events During Durga PujaSashti (October 9): Goddess Durga is invoked. – Saptami (October 10): Beginning of worship and rituals. – Ashtami (October 11): Kumari Puja and Sandhi Puja, marking the most important day. – Navami (October 12): Conclusion of the festival, followed by Dashami.

Dashami and Sindoor KhelaVijaya Dashami (October 12, 2024): The last day when the idols of Durga are immersed in water (Visarjan) symbolizing her return to her divine abode. Married women play Sindoor Khela, applying vermilion on each other.