Navratri Calendar 2024: Complete Schedule, Rituals and Significance Related to the Date

Navratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India and is dedicated to the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. In 2024, the nine-day Shardiya or Shrad Navratri will take place in the month of Ashwin, which usually falls between September and October in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is one of the four Navratris celebrated in a year, with Shardiya Navratri being the most revered and often referred to as Maha Navratri due to its immense religious and cultural significance.

Navratri 2024: Date and Origin

Navratri in 2024 begins on Thursday, October 3 and ends with Dussehra or Vijayadashami on Saturday, October 12. The festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. After a fierce battle that lasted nine days, Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura on the tenth day, which is why she is worshiped as Mahishasuramardini, the huntress of Mahishasura.

Furthermore, the tenth day of Navratri, Vijayadashami, is also associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, where he saves Goddess Sita after a long battle. This dual symbolism makes Navratri and Dussehra culturally rich festivals in India.

Key rituals of Navratri 2024

Navratri is characterized by a series of rituals that devotees follow with devotion and discipline. The most famous rituals include:

Daily Worship of Different Goddesses: Each Navratri day is dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga, starting with Shailaputri, followed by Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Followers perform specific prayers and rituals for each avatar.

Source: Drik Panchang

Fasting and Prayers: Devotees fast during these nine days, either for all days or on the first and last two days. They pray, chant the Durga Stotra, recite the Durga Chalisa and seek blessings from the Goddess. It is believed that sincere worship during Navratri helps in fulfilling desires and brings prosperity.

Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami: The festival ends on the tenth day with Durga Visarjan, where idols of the goddess are taken into rivers or seas for immersion. This marks their departure from the earthly realm and their return to their heavenly abode. Vijayadashami also symbolizes the beginning of new ventures, making it an auspicious day for starting new projects or journeys.

Meaning of Navratri

Navratri has deep religious and cultural significance for devotees. Each of the nine days is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Shakti, the divine feminine power, and emphasizes her many qualities, including strength, compassion and protection.

Moral Lessons: Navratri symbolizes the victory of justice over evil. It encourages followers to practice virtues such as bravery, dedication and humility and serves as a reminder of the eternal battle between good and evil in life.

Harvest Festival: Navratri is also celebrated as a harvest festival and honors the Goddess as the life-giving force behind creation. The prayers and rituals during this time are seen as a way to thank the divine for the bounty of harvests and prosperity of the land.