Introduction
Navratri is a vibrant and significant Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India. It is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga and her various forms. Navratri is celebrated twice a year, once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and again in the autumn (Shardiya Navratri). In this blog post, we will focus on Shardiya Navratri 2023, its start and end date, and the significance of this auspicious festival.
Start and End Date
Shardiya Navratri 2023 will begin on Tuesday, 3rd October and will culminate on Wednesday, 11th October. The festival spans nine nights and ten days, with each day dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. The tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marking the victory of good over evil.
Calendar
Here is a day-wise breakdown of the Navratri celebrations:
- Day 1: Pratipada – Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja
- Day 2: Dwitiya – Brahmacharini Puja
- Day 3: Tritiya – Chandraghanta Puja
- Day 4: Chaturthi – Kushmanda Puja
- Day 5: Panchami – Skandamata Puja
- Day 6: Shashti – Katyayani Puja
- Day 7: Saptami – Kalaratri Puja
- Day 8: Ashtami – Mahagauri Puja
- Day 9: Navami – Siddhidatri Puja
- Day 10: Vijayadashami – Dussehra
Significance of Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navratri is celebrated during the autumn season, and it holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus. It is believed that during this time, Goddess Durga descends to the Earth and blesses her devotees with strength, wisdom, and prosperity. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the triumph of light over darkness.
During Navratri, devotees observe fasts and engage in various rituals and ceremonies to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The festival is marked by vibrant dance performances, known as Garba and Dandiya-Raas, where people come together to celebrate and honor the divine feminine energy.
Conclusion
Shardiya Navratri is an auspicious and joyous festival that is eagerly awaited by millions of Hindus around the world. It is a time to celebrate the power of the divine feminine and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The nine nights of Navratri are filled with devotion, music, dance, and celebration, bringing people together in a spirit of unity and joy.
