Navratri 2023

The Hindu festival of Sharadiya Navaratri is particularly significant and is observed with a lot of zeal. The worship of the holy goddess Durga’s nine forms is the focus of this nine-day celebration. It is popularly held that one can overcome all difficulties and challenges in life by worshiping Goddess Durga during Navaratri. The event begins on the first day of the lunar Hindu month of Ashwin’s bright half and concludes on Vijayadashami, commonly known as Dussehra.

In Hinduism, Sharadiya Navaratri is a beloved and treasured celebration that honors the holy feminine force that Goddess Durga represents. The festival lasts nine days and is a time for celebration, joy, and dedication. As followers assemble to worship the goddess in her different guises, they ask for her divine favors and work toward their own spiritual development and prosperity. We explore Sharadiya Navaratri’s rituals, traditions, and spiritual importance in further detail in this article.

Shardiya Navratri 2023 Start Date

Navratri of 2023 will start on 15 October and will end on 24 October. During these days nine forms of Goddess Durga will worship by Hindu people across the globe. Worship of different forms of goddess Durga will be done accordingly :

1. Pratipada Tithi Navratri fast: 15th October 2023, worship of Maa Shailputri
2. Dwitiya Tithi Navratri fast: 16th October 2023, worship of Maa Brahmacharini
3. Tritiya Tithi Navratri fast: 17th October 2023, worship of Maa Chandraghanta
4. Chaturthi Tithi Navratri fast: 18th October 2023, worship of Maa Kushmanda
5. Panchami tithi Navratri fast: 19 October 2023, worship of Maa Skandamata
6. Shashti Tithi Navratri fast: 20th October 2023, worship of Maa Katyayani
7. Saptami Tithi Navratri fast: 21 October 2023, Maa Kalratri Puja
8. Ashtami Tithi Navratri fast: 22 October 2023, worship of Maa Siddhidatri
9. Navami Tithi Navratri fast: 23 October 2023, worship of Maa Mahagauri
10. Dashami Tithi Navratri vrat Paran: 24th October 2023, Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Ritual and Tradition of Navratri

This auspicious occasion marks the victory of good over evil and holds profound spiritual significance. During Navratri, various rituals and traditions are observed to invoke the blessings of the divine goddess and seek her protection and guidance. Here is a short description of ritual and tradition seen during different part of india :

Kalash Sthapana

The festival’s opening ceremony, known as Kalash Sthapana, occurs on the first day of Navratri. Holy water is placed inside of a clay vessel called a kalash, which is also decorated with swastika and mango leaves. To symbolize prosperity and good fortune, a coconut is placed on top. During the nine-day event, this kalash symbolizes the celestial goddess’ presence.

Durga Puja and Aarti

Special Durga Puja celebrations are done in temples and houses throughout Navratri. While reciting hymns and praying, devotees present the goddess with gifts like as flowers, incense, fruits, and other sacrifices. The nighttime Aarti, which is performed while waving lamps, gives the celebrations a mystical feel.

Fasting – Navratri Vrat

Many devotees consider fasting to be an essential part of Navratri and devotees follow a severe fasting put them away from eating grains, legumes, meat, and alcohol. They eat light, pure vegetarian fare instead, such as fruits, milk, and nuts. Some people even go on daily water fasts.

Navapuja

During Navratri, a fresh manifestation of Goddess Durga is worshipped each day. Navapuja is the name of this ritual. Extensive rituals are performed by devotees to invoke the blessings of each form in order to obtain protection and prosperity.

Garba and Dandiya Raas

The vivid and spirited folk dance styles of Garba and Dandiya Raas are among the highlights of the Navratri celebrations. People congregate in circles while dancing to the rhytmic beats of traditional music while wearing brightly colored clothing. The victory of good over evil and the joyful celebration of life are represented by the dance.

Kanya Pujan or Kanjak

Young girls, generally prepubescent, are worshiped as representations of the divine feminine energy on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri. As “kanyas” or “kanjaks,” they are welcomed into households, accorded respect, and shown gratitude with presents and food.

Visarjan or Udvasan

On the tenth day, also known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the festival concludes with the ritual of Visarjan or Udvasan. The clay pot, representing the presence of the goddess, is immersed in a water body with reverence and gratitude.

5 Best Navartri Wishes

• May the divine blessings of Goddess Durga bring joy, prosperity, and success into your life this Navratri. Happy Navratri

• Wishing you a vibrant and colorful Navratri filled with the rhythm of Garba and the spirit of devotion. Have a blessed Navratri
• May this Navratri illuminate your path with positivity and fill your heart with love and happiness. Happy Navratri
• As the auspicious festival of Navratri commences, may all your dreams and aspirations come true. Have a blessed Navratri

• On this Navratri, may Goddess Durga bless you with strength, wisdom, and the courage to overcome all challenges. Happy Navratri

A celebration of faith, dedication, and cultural legacy, Navratri is more than just a holiday. By encouraging the virtues of love, compassion, and righteousness, Navratri rituals and customs help communities feel united and at peace with one another.