Sharad 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 the battle of the good against the evil with the result of the 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 the Vijaya Dasami celebration on October 12, Saturday.
Ghatasthapana is on October 03, Thursday, Durgashtami will be celebrated on October 10, Thursday, 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.
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.
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.
Navratri festival dates in 2024
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Day & Date |
Festival |
Tithi |
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Thursday, October 03 |
Pratipada |
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Friday, October 04 |
Dwitiya |
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Saturday, October 05 |
Tritiya |
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Sunday, October 06 |
Chaturthi |
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Monday, October 07 |
Panchami |
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Tuesday, October 08 |
Shashti |
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Wednesday, October 09 |
Saptami |
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Thursday, October 10 |
Ashtami |
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Friday, October 11 |
Navami |
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Saturday, October 12 |
Dashami |
Spiritual Significance of Navratri
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 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 evil.
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.
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 homecoming 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 colors on each day.
Day 1: Shailaputri /Pratipada
On Pratipada, October 03, 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 04, Goddess Brahmacharini is a form of Durga Devi and she reduces anger. Hence, the second day is dedicated to this Goddess.
Day 3: Chandraghanta/ Tritya
On Tritiya, October 05, 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.
Day 4: Kushmanda/ Chaturthi
On Chaturthi, October 06, the day is dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda. Her name means cosmic egg and she is known to spread energy and warmth to everyone.
Day 5: Skandamata/ Panchami
On Panchami, October 07, Goddess Skandamata 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 08, 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 marriage and family life.
Day 7: Kalaratri/ Saptami
On Saptami, October 09, the day is specially dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri. She is said to be fierce and has also frightened 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 eighth day, October 10, 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 to 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 11, 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 12, 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 Navaratri
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 fast 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, and illuminated with light, and different cultural activities are held during this time.
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
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Sunrise |
October 03, 6:23 AM |
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Sunset |
October 03, 6:08 PM |
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Abhijit Muhurat Time |
October 03, 11:52 AM - 12:39 PM |
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Ghatasthapana Muhurta |
October 03, 06:23 AM - 10:18 AM |
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Pratipada Tithi Timings |
October 03, 12:19 AM - October 04, 02:58 AM |
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Dwitiya Tithi Timings |
October 04, 02:58 AM - October 05, 05:31 AM |
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Tritiya Tithi Timings |
October 05, 05:31 AM - October 06, 07:49 AM |
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Chaturthi Tithi Timings |
October 06, 07:50 AM - October 07, 09:48 AM |
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Panchami Tithi Timings |
October 07, 09:48 AM - October 08, 11:18 AM |
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Shashthi Tithi Timings |
October 08, 11:18 AM - October 09, 12:14 PM |
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Saptami Tithi Timings |
October 09, 12:14 PM - October 10, 12:32 PM |
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Ashtami Tithi Timings |
October 10, 12:32 PM - October 11, 12:07 PM |
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Navami Tithi Timings |
October 11, 12:07 PM - October 12, 10:59 AM |
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Dashami Tithi Timings |
October 12, 10:59 AM - October 13, 09:09 AM |
Navratri 2024: Colours of Navratri
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Day 1 |
Yellow Wear Yellow shades of color on Day 1 of Navratri to get enriched with happiness, and positivity in one’s life. Since this color signifies warmth and joy, it will surely make the person feel calm and cheerful during the special day and also for the whole year. |
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Day 2 |
Green The color green means fertility, 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. |
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Day 3 |
Grey The color grey means a balance of mind and emotions. Since this is an earthy color, it signifies humbleness and down-to-earth character and lifestyle. In 2024, you need to wear grey color on Day 3 of Navratri. The color stands for change and transformation for the better. |
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Day 4 |
Orange Orange stands to be one of the most vibrant colors among the set of colors. 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. |
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Day 5 |
White Since the color white symbolizes 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 color, the devotee will be blessed with a feeling of security, happiness, and purity of thought in their life. |
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Day 6 |
Red Red is a powerful color that signifies love, passion, and a feeling 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. |
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Day 7 |
Royal Blue On Day 7 of Navratri, wear royal blue kurtas, skirts, and sarees to bring 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. |
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Day 8 |
Pink The pink color 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. |
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Day 9 |
Purple The purple color signifies peace and nobility. On Day 9 of Navratri, wear a purple shade and get bestowed with prosperity and opulence. This is a fine color that helps to please Durga Devi perfectly. |
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Day 10 |
Peacock Green The color peacock green signifies individuality and intelligence. On Day 10 of Navratri wear the peacock green color to get blessed with qualities of peace, uniqueness, and compassion towards fellow beings. Since this is a mixed color of green and blue, it helps the devotee to get the benefit of both the colors. |
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