Navratri 2024: Timings, Dates, Significance, Rituals, Colors
Navratri (Hindi: नवरात्री, Gujarati: નવરાત્રી) or Shardiya Navratri is celebrated with great zeal across Northern and Eastern India. Navratri is the symbolic celebration of nine nights of battle of the good against the evil with the result of victory of the good on the tenth day. During this period, Mother Durga is worshipped as the deity of power, energy and wisdom.
Navratri 2024 starts on October 03, Thursday and will end with Vijaya Dasami celebration on October 12, Saturday.
5 months and 3 days to go for the event
Ghatasthapana is on October 03, Thursday, Durgashtami will be celebrated on October 11, Friday and Maha Navami on October 11, Friday.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat Time: October 03, 06:23 AM – 10:18 AM
Pratipada Tithi Timing: October 03, 12:19 am - October 04, 2:58 am
(Timings for Ujjain, IST.)
Navratri Greetings
When is Navratri 2024 celebrated?
Navratri is usually celebrated twice in a year—once during spring Chaitra Navratri and once during autumn (Sharad Navratri). Both these times witness planetary changes as per the lunar calendar.
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Check out Navratri 2023, Status videos, greeting and wishes.
Sharad Navratri 2024 or Maha Navratri is commonly celebrated during the Indian month of Ashvina that commences from the first day of the lunar fortnight. As per the English calendar, it usually falls in the months of September and October.
The Festival is celebrated for nine nights and devotees pray, take part in the Dandiya Raas and Garba and offer prasad to please Goddess Durga.
Durga Puja is celebrated from the sixth day of Navaratri. This will continue for 4 days and then end with Vijayadashmi.
Know it all: The Real Story behind Durga Puja
Navratri festival dates in 2024
| Day & Date | Festival | Tithi |
| Sunday, October 15 | Ghatasthapana | Pratipada |
| Monday, October 16 | Maa Brahmacharini Puja | Dwitiya |
| Tuesday, October 17 | Maa Chandraghanta Puja | Tritiya |
| Wednesday, October 18 | Maa Kushmanda Puja | Chaturthi |
| Thursday, October 19 | Maa Skandamata Puja | Panchami |
| Friday, October 20 | Maa Katyayini Puja | Shashti |
| Saturday, October 21 | Maa Kaalratri Puja | Saptami |
| Sunday, October 22 | Maa Maha Gauri Puja | Ashtami |
| Monday, October 23 | Maa Siddhidaatri Puja, Maha Navami | Navami |
| Tuesday, October 24 | Vijay Dasami | Dasami |
Spiritual Significance of Navrathri
According to mythology, there are different tales behind the inception of Navratri.
Mahishashur, the King of Demons had started a war against the Gods in heaven. To combat him, all Gods including the trinity of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu pooled in their divine powers to give birth to the mother of power and 'Shakti'. Thus Goddess Durga was created and she with her power and wisdom killed Mahishasur after nine nights of furious battle against him. The tenth day of victory is thus celebrated as Vijaya Dashami- the day of victory of good over the evil.
Know More: The Fine Art of Mastering Dandiya Raas and Garba Dance.
Lord Rama was about to enter a war against Ravana to save Sita from his imprisonment in Lanka. Before starting the battle, Rama worshipped Goddess Durga seeking her blessings. For the puja, he required 108 lotuses. To complete the count, when Rama was about to remove one of his eyes, Goddess Durga emerged and blessed him with her divine 'shakti'. Rama won the battle on that day.
Know More: Check Navratri 2024 colours
Uma, the daughter of Daksh—the king of the Himalayas is said to come home for ten days during Navratri. Uma married Lord Shiva and this festival celebrates her home coming on earth.
Navratri: Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga
For nine nights, people observe the festival with utmost devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Durga Maa. Based on this, devotees have to wear the right colours on each day.
Day 1: Shailaputri /Pratipada
On Pratipada, October 15, Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. Shaila means mountain and putri means daughter. Since Goddess Parvati is the daughter of the Mountain God, she is given importance on this day.
Day 2: Brahmacharini/ Dwitya
On Dwitya, October 16, Goddess Brahmacharini is a form of Durga Devi and she is one who reduces anger. Hence, the second day is dedicated for this Goddess.
Day 3: Chandraghanta/ Tritya
On Tritiya, October 17, devotees worship Chandraghanta. It is believed that she has a third eye and fights against evil demons. During puja, jasmine flowers are offered to make her pleased.
Must Reads: Why does Goddess Durga Devi stare at us so magically?
Day 4: Kushmanda/ Chaturthi
On Chaturthi, October 18, the day is dedicated for Goddess Kushmanda. Her name means cosmic eggand she is known to spread energy and warmth to everyone.
Day 5: Skandamata/ Panchami
On Panchami, October 19, Goddess Skandamata is one who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered as it is believed that she is fierce and loving.
Day 6: Katyayini/ Shashti
On the sixth day called Shashti, October 20, Durga is said to have taken the form of Devi Katyayani so that she could kill the King of Demons. Women offer prayers to get a peaceful married and family life.
Must Reads:Be Bold, Fashionable and Enjoy this Navaratri in Style!
Day 7: Kalaratri/ Saptami
On Saptami, October 21, the day is specially dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri. She is said to be fierce and have also frightened the evil spirits all over the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn Planet)
Day 8: Mahagauri/ Ashtami
On the eigth day, October 22, people worship Mahagauri. She wears only white clothes on this special day and rides a bull. On this day, Kanya Puja takes place- a special event dedicated for young virgin girls. This day is known as Mahashtami or even Maha Durgashtami. The day is celebrated with dance, fun and prayers.
Day 9: Siddhidaatri/ Navami
On Navami, October 23, Devi Siddhidaatri is given importance. She is powerful to fulfill all your wishes and hence the ninth day is dedicated to her.
Day 10: Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
After the 9 days of prayers, the tenth day, October 24, is kept aside for Vijayadashmi. A day when new things can begin in life. It is also called Vidyarambham- an event where children are introduced into the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is a very important part of the rituals on Vijayadashmi.
Rituals of Navarathri
During the nine nights of worship, Goddess Durga is worshipped as 'Shakti'—the deity of power for the first three days; the next three days she is worshipped as Lakshmi—the deity of wealth and the last three days, she is worshipped as Saraswati—the deity of knowledge and wisdom.
During this period, devotees keep fasts and usually avoid grains, onions, meat and alcohol in their meals. Special Navratri food is prepared in North India for such devotees keeping a fast.
In Eastern India, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja and is the biggest festival throughout the year. Big pandals are set up, illuminated with light and different cultural activities are held during this time.
Women dressed in their traditional attire perform Garba dance during Navratri festival
In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Navratri dance is known as Garba and Dandiya where local people dance wearing traditional clothes and dandiya sticks in hand.
In Goa, special zatras start during Navratri and the Saraswat Brahmin temples are decorated for the festival. Devotees worship the Dasha Maitrikas with sandalwood paste, kumkum and new clothes & ornaments.
In Kerala, on the ninth day Ayudha Puja is done to bless all the tools in the house.
Important Timings On Navratri 2024
| Sunrise | October 03, 6:23 AM |
| Sunset | October 03, 6:08 PM |
| Abhijit Muhurat Time | October 03, 11:52 AM - 12:39 PM |
| Ghatasthapana Muhurta | October 03, 06:23 AM - 10:18 AM |
| Pratipada Tithi Timings | October 03, 12:19 AM - October 04, 02:58 AM |
| Dwitiya Tithi Timings | October 04, 02:58 AM - October 05, 05:31 AM |
| Tritiya Tithi Timings | October 05, 05:31 AM - October 06, 07:49 AM |
| Chaturthi Tithi Timings | October 06, 07:50 AM - October 07, 09:48 AM |
| Panchami Tithi Timings | October 07, 09:48 AM - October 08, 11:18 AM |
| Shashthi Tithi Timings | October 08, 11:18 AM - October 09, 12:14 PM |
| Saptami Tithi Timings | October 09, 12:14 PM - October 10, 12:32 PM |
| Ashtami Tithi Timings | October 10, 12:32 PM - October 11, 12:07 PM |
| Navami Tithi Timings | October 11, 12:07 PM - October 12, 10:59 AM |
| Dashami Tithi Timings | October 12, 10:59 AM - October 13, 09:09 AM |
| Place : Ujjain [ India ] See More | |
Navratri 2024: Colours of Navratri
|
Day 1 Oct 03, Thursday |
Yellow Wear Yellow shades of colour on Day 1 of Navratri to get enriched with the happiness, positivity in one’s life. Since this colour signifies warmth and joy, it will surely make the person feel calm and cheerful during the special day and also for the whole year. |
|
Day 2 Oct 04, Friday |
Green The colour green means fertility, a positive growth, calmness and peace. So, this 2024, you need to wear Green coloured dresses on Day 2 of Navratri. It signifies new auspicious beginnings in a devotee’s life. Let the Goddess bring serenity into your lives. |
|
Day 3 Oct 05, Saturday |
Grey The colour grey means a balance of mind and emotions. Since this is an earthy colour, it signifies humbleness and down to earth character and lifestyle. In 2024, you need to wear Grey colour on Day 3 of Navratri. The colour stands for change and transformation for the better. |
|
Day 4 Oct 06, Sunday |
Orange Orange stands to be one of the most vibrant colours among the set of colours. So, if you wear orange on Day 4 of Navratri, it surely means that you will be blessed with happiness, creativity and a lot of positive energy. It helps the person go through problems in a calm mind with no negative feelings. |
|
Day 5 Oct 07, Monday |
White Since the colour white symbolises peace and harmony, it holds a lot of importance in one's life. The white colour needs to Day 5 of Navratri. By wearing this colour, the devotee will be blessed with a feeling of security, happiness and purity of thought in their life. |
|
Day 6 Oct 08, Tuesday |
Red Red is a powerful colour that signifies love, passion, and a feel of bravery. On Day 6 of Navratri, if red is worn, it helps Hindu devotees to be blessed with vitality, loyalty and beauty for the whole year. |
|
Day 7 Oct 09, Wednesday |
Royal Blue On the Day 7 of Navratri, wear royal blue kurtas, skirts, and sarees to bring in elegance and royalty into the festive time and also into your life. Royal blue signifies an unmatched charisma, and a passion to excel in whatever you aim in life. |
|
Day 8 Oct 10, Thursday |
Pink The pink colour indicates affection, harmony and goodness. Wear Pink on Day 8 of Navratri and that will invoke the goodness of love towards humanity, charm and also one who will be loved by all. |
|
Day 9 Oct 11, Friday |
Purple The purple colour signifies peace and nobility. On Day 9 of Navratri, wear a purple shade and get bestowed with prosperity and opulence. This is a fine colour that helps to please Durga Devi in the perfect way. |
|
Day 10 Oct 12, Saturday |
Peacock Green The colour peacock green signifies individuality and intelligence. On Day 10 of Navratri wear the peacock green colour to get the blessed with qualities of peace, uniqueness, and compassion towards fellow beings. Since this is a mixed colour of green and blue, it helps the devotee to get the benefit of both the colours. |
Navratri festival dates between 2020 & 2030
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Saturday, 17th of October |
| 2021 | Thursday, 7th of October |
| 2022 | Monday, 26th of September |
| 2023 | Sunday, 15th of October |
| 2024 | Thursday, 3rd of October |
| 2025 | Monday, 22nd of September |
| 2026 | Sunday, 11th of October |
| 2027 | Thursday, 30th of September |
| 2028 | Tuesday, 19th of September |
| 2029 | Monday, 8th of October |
| 2030 | Saturday, 28th of September |
