Navratri is a festival that honours the power and grace of Maa Durga.
Navratri is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is celebrated all over the world, typically falling between September and October during the month of Ashvin, and lasts for nine days. Nav means nine and Ratri means nights. This year, the festival starts on Sunday, October 15, 2023 and will end on Monday, October 23, 2023.
What is Navratri?
Navratri is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is a nine-day-long festival that celebrates the nine different forms of Goddess Durga.
When is Navratri in 2023?
- Navratri, also called Shardiya Navratri, starts on the Shukla paksha of the Ashwin month, as per the Hindu calendar.
- In 2023, Navratri begins on October 15 and ends on October 23.
Date and Muhurat
- Navratri, or Shardiya Navratri, starts on the Shukla paksha of the Ashwin month, as per the Hindu calendar. This falls in the month of September or October every year in the Georgian calendar.
- The Kalashsthapana or Ghatasthapana muhurat is from 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM on October 15, 2023.
What is the history and significance of Navratri?
- Navratri is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Hindu devotees across the world believe that it is during these nine days that Goddess Durga descended on Earth from her heavenly abode to fight against the demon King Mahishasur. And it is on the tenth day of the battle when she kills him– thus signifying her victory1.
- Each of the nine days of Navratri celebrates a different avatar of Maa Durga, namely: Shailaputri on Day 1, Brahmacharini on Day 2, Chandraghanta on Day 3, Kushmanda on Day 4, Skandamata on Day 5, Katyayani on Day 6, Kalaratri on Day 7, Mahagauri on Day 8, and Siddhidatri on Day 9. All the nine avatars of Goddess Durga represent divine feminine energy.
How is Navratri celebrated?
- During Navratri, devotees across the world keep fasts, meditate, pray to Goddess Durga and seek her blessings.
- They also set up pandals for Durga Pooja, and organize garba nights, which are traditional dances performed with colorful costumes and sticks.
- Each day of Navratri has a different color and a different avatar of Goddess Durga associated with it.
Interesting facts about Navratri?
- Navratri is not only celebrated in India, but also in other countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, UK, USA and Canada.
- Navratri is also known by different names in different regions of India, such as Durga Puja in Bengal, Dussehra in North India, Bommai Kolu in Tamil Nadu and Bathukamma in Telangana.
- Navratri is also a time for detoxification and rejuvenation of the body and mind, as fasting helps to cleanse the digestive system and boost immunity.
Navratri is a festival that honors the divine feminine energy and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It is a time to worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms, and to enjoy the cultural and spiritual aspects of the festival. Navratri is a festival that unites people across the world with its joy and devotion.
Also Read: Essay on Navratri for Students
