Navratri Festival 2023 – Date, History, Celebration of Navratri

Navratri 2023 Date, History, Celebration of Navratri

Navratri Festival 2023 – Date, History, Celebration of Navratri Date 2023: Navratri is a significant Hindu festival that is observed over nine nights and 10 days during which nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped. The festival marks the victory of good over evil.

As per the Mahakala Samhita, there are four Navratri in the Vedic calendar named Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Magha Gupta Navratri, and Ashadha Gupta Navratri. The Navratri that usually falls in September-October is known as Sharad Navratri. It is the most significant Navratri that is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across the country.

This year the Sharad Navratri began on, October 14 with Ghatasthapana and end on October 25 with Vijay Dashami and Durga Visarjan. Know about the history, significance, and day wise auspicious timings

Shardiya Navratri 2023: Shubh Muhurat

The shubh muhurat for Shardiya Navratri i.e. Pratipada Tithi begins at 11:24 PM on October 14 and the Pratipada Tithi ends at 12:32 AM on October 16. This year, Navratri is set to begin on Sunday, October 15, and will end on Tuesday, October 24.

NAVRATRI 2023: HISTORY

According to Hindu legends, Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their powers to create Goddess Durga to defeat the demon king Mahishasura after he attacked Trilok – Earth, Heaven, and Hell.

No one could defeat Mahishasura as Lord Brahma granted him the wish that stated he could only be defeated by a woman. After a 15-day long battle, Goddess Durga killed him with her Trishul on the day of Mahalya.

Navratri, (Sanskrit: “Nine Nights”) in full Sharad Navratri, Navratri also spelled Navaratri, in Hinduism, the major festival held in honor of the divine feminine. Navratri occurs over 9 days during the month of Ashvin, or Ashvina (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September–October).

Happy Navratri festival date history celebration of Navratri

It often ends with the Dussehra (also called Vijayadashami) celebration on the 10th day. In some parts of India, Dussehra is considered a focal point of the festival, making it effectively span 10 days instead of 9.

Additionally, as Navratri depends on the lunar calendar, in some years it may be celebrated for 8 days, with Dussehra on the 9th.

There are four similar festivals, also called Navratri, which are held at various stages of the year. However, the early autumn festival, also called Sharad Navratri, is the most significant.

It begins on the same day as Durga Puja, a 10-day festival devoted to the victory of the goddess Durga, which is particularly celebrated in certain eastern states.

Navratri is celebrated differently in India’s various regions. For many people, it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Among fasting, customs are observing a strict vegetarian diet and abstaining from alcohol and certain spices.

Dances performed include Garba, especially in Gujarat. Typically, the festival’s nine nights are dedicated to different aspects of the divine feminine principle or shakti.

While the pattern varies somewhat by region, generally the first third of the festival focuses on aspects of the goddess Durga, the second third on the goddess Lakshmi, and the final third on the goddess Sarasvati.

Offerings are often made to the goddesses and their various aspects, and rituals are performed in their honor. One popular ritual is Kanya Puja, which takes place on the eighth or ninth day.

In this ritual, nine young girls are dressed as the nine goddess aspects celebrated during Navratri and are worshipped with ritual foot-washing and given offerings such as food and clothing.

Among some followers of the goddess Durga, who are particularly predominant in Bengal and Assam, the festival is known as or coincides with the Durga Puja (“Rite of Durga”). Special images of Durga commemorating her victory over the buffalo-headed demon Mahishasura are worshipped daily.

On the 10th day (Dussehra) they are taken in jubilant processions to nearby rivers or reservoirs for immersion in water. In addition to family observances, the puja, or ritual, days are also celebrated with public concerts, recitations, plays, and fairs.

nine avatar photos

In some regions, Dussehra is collected into Navratri, and the entire 10-day celebration is known by that name. Whether throughout the festival or as the 10th day, Dussehra is a time to celebrate the triumphs of good over evil, such as Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

In some parts of India, Dussehra is associated with the victory of the god Rama over the demon-king Ravana. In northern India, the Ram Lila (“Play of Rama”) is the highlight of the festival.

On successive nights different episodes of the epic poem the Ramayana are dramatized by young actors elaborately costumed and masked; the pageant is always climaxed by the burning of huge effigies of the demons.

Athletic tournaments and hunting expeditions are often organized. Some celebrate by erecting bonfires and burning effigies of Ravana, which are sometimes stuffed with fireworks. In many regions, Dussehra is considered an auspicious time to begin educational or artistic pursuits, especially for children.

Navratri meaning

NAVRATRI 2023: SIGNIFICANCE

Nine different avatars of Goddess Durga are worshipped during the Navaratri 2023.

The 1st day is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, 2nd to Brahmacharini, 3rd to Chandraghanta, 4th day to Kushmanda, 5th day to Skandamata, 6th day to Katyayani, 7th day to Kaalratri, 8th to Mahagauri, and 9th day to Siddhidatri.

It is believed that worshipping these nine incarnations of goddess Durga during Navratri blessed devotees with prosperity, health, and wisdom in their life.

Types of Navratri

There are four types of Navratri to be celebrated throughout the year:

• Chaitra Navaratri 2023 (March-April): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra which is associated with the creation of the universe and the beginning of the Hindu calendar.
• Ashadha Navaratri 2023 (June-July): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha which is associated with the Goddess Gayatri and her five faces, which represent the five elements of nature.
• Sharad Navaratri 2023 (September-October): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashwin which is associated with the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
• Paush Navaratri 2023 (December-January): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Paush which is associated with the goddess Annapurna and the worship of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

NAVRATRI 2023: DAY-WISE AUSPICIOUS TIMINGS – Navratri Date

October 15 – Ghatasthapana (invocation of Goddess Shakti), Shailputri Puja

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October 16 – Brahmacharini Puja (Maa Brahmacharini)

October 17 – Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja (Maa Chandraghanta)

October 18 – Kushmanda Puja (Maa Kushmanda), Vinayak Chaturthi

October 19 – Skandamata Puja (Maa Skandamata)

October 20 – Katyayani Puja (Maa Katyayani)

October 21 – Saraswati Puja, Kalratri Puja (Saptami) (Maa Kalratri)

October 22 – Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja (Maa Mahagauri) and Sandhi Puja

October 23 – Maha Navami

After the nine-day celebrations, Navratri celebrations end with Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami or Dussehra. On this day, devotees of Maa Durga immerse her idols in water bodies and wish for her to come next year. It also marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Maa Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.

October 24 – Navratri Parana (breaking the fast), Durga Visarjan and Vijayadashami

In Sanskrit, the word Navaratri means “nine nights,” with nava meaning “nine” and ratri “nights.” It is celebrated in different parts of the world and holds greater religious and cultural values. The table below will help you understand the complete 9-day Festival Schedule for Shardiya Navratri 2023:

Shardiya Navratri 9-Day Festival Schedule

1. Navratri Day 1 – October 15 On the first day of Navratri, wearing orange brings warmth and positivity, making you feel upbeat.
2. Day 2 – October 16 Dressing in white on Monday symbolizes purity, granting inner peace and the blessings of the Goddess.
3. Day 3 – October 17 Tuesday calls for red attire, representing passion and love, filling you with energy and vigour.
4. Day 4 – October 18 Don royal blue on Wednesday, showcasing elegance and richness as you celebrate Navratri.
5. Day 5 – October 19 Thursday in yellow radiates optimism and joy, keeping your spirits high.
6. Day 6 – October 20 Embrace green on Friday, symbolising growth, peace, and new beginnings.
7. Day 7 – October 21 Choose grey for balanced emotions and an understated style statement during Navratri.
8. Day 8 – October 22 Sunday’s purple attire signifies luxury and nobility, bestowing blessings of richness and grandeur.
9. Day 9 – October 23 On the final day, adorn peacock green, embracing uniqueness, compassion, and freshness in this exquisite shade of blue and green.

Navratri Ashtami 2023

Navratri 2023: नवरात्रि की अष्टमी 22 अक्टूबर को या 23 को? दूर कर लें कंफ्यूजन, जानें सही तिथि और पूजा का शुभ मुहूर्त

Navratri 2023 maha ashtami navami date: नवरात्रि (Navaratri 2023)में अष्टमी (Maha Ashtami 2023)और नवमी तिथि (Navami 2023 date) का खास महत्व होता है. इन दोनों दिन लोग कन्या पूजन भी करते हैं. इस दिन मिट्टी के नौ कलश रखे जाते हैं और देवी दुर्गा के नौ रूपों का ध्यान कर उनका आह्वान किया जाता है.

नवरात्रि की शुरुआत रविवार 15 अक्टूबर 2023 से होगी. 23 अक्टूबर 2023 को नवरात्रि समाप्त होगी. वहीं 24 अक्टूबर विजयादशमी या दशहरा का पर्व मनाया जाएगा. आश्विन माह की प्रतिपदा तिथि 14 अक्टूबर 2023 की रात 11:24 मिनट से शुरू होगी.

अष्टमी समाप्त होने के अंतिम 24 मिनट और नवमी प्रारंभ होने के शुरुआती 24 मिनट के समय को संधि क्षण या काल कहते हैं. संधि काल का ये समय दुर्गा पूजा के लिए सबसे शुभ माना जाता है.

Navratri 2023 Maha Ashtami date: नवरात्रि में मां दुर्गा की पूजा विशेष कल्याणकारी मानी जाती है. आदि शक्ति मां दुर्गा की परम कृपा प्राप्त करने के लिए नवरात्रि का समय बेहद शुभ होता है. नवरात्रि में अष्टमी (Maha Ashtami 2023) और नवमी तिथि (Maha Navami 2023 date) का खास महत्व होता है. इन दोनों दिन लोग कन्या पूजन भी करते हैं.

इस दिन मिट्टी के नौ कलश रखे जाते हैं और देवी दुर्गा के नौ रूपों का ध्यान कर उनका आह्वान किया जाता है. आइए जानते हैं कि अष्टमी-नवमी कब है और इस दिन किस शुभ मुहूर्त में मां की आराधना की जा सकेगी.

अष्टमी तिथि और पूजा का शुभ मुहूर्त (Ashtami Date and Shubh Muhurt)

दिन का चौघड़िया (Din ka Choghadiya)

लाभ – 06:26 AM से 07:53 PM तक
अमृत – 07:53 AM से 09:20 PM तक
शुभ – 10:46 AM से 12:13 PM तक
लाभ – 16:32 AM से 17:59 PM तक

रात का चौघड़िया (Raat ka Choghadiya)

शुभ – 19:32 PM से 21:06 PM तक
अमृत – 21:06 PM से 22:39 PM तक
लाभ – 03:20 PM से 04:53 PM तक

नवमी तिथि और पूजा का शुभ मुहूर्त (Navami Date and Shubh Muhurt)

दिन का चौघड़िया (Din ka Choghadiya)

शुभ – 06:27 AM से 07:53 PM तक
लाभ – 12:12 PM से 13:39 PM तक
अमृत – 13:39 PM से 15:05 PM तक
शुभ – 16:32 PM से 17:58 PM तक

रात का चौघड़िया (Raat ka Choghadiya)

अमृत– 17:58 PM से 19:32 PM तक
लाभ – 00:13 PM से 01:46 PM तक
शुभ – 03:20 PM से 04:54 PM तक
अमृत – 04:54 PM से 06:27 PM तक

अष्टमी-नवमी तिथि में संधि पूजा का महत्व- अष्टमी समाप्त होने के अंतिम 24 मिनट और नवमी प्रारंभ होने के शुरुआती 24 मिनट के समय को संधि क्षण या काल (Sandhi Puja 2023) कहते हैं. संधि काल का ये समय दुर्गा पूजा के लिए सबसे शुभ माना जाता है.

ऐसी मान्यता है कि संधि काल में ही देवी दुर्गा ने प्रकट होकर असुर चंड और मुंड का वध किया था. इस समय माता रानी को विशेष भोग लगाने की परंपर है. संधि काल के समय 108 दीपक जलाये जाते हैं.

Also Read: Who Is Goddess Maa Durga & Birth of Durga Mata?

What’s the story behind Vasant Navratri?

The story behind the festival widely celebrated around the country India is very interesting and fascinating. The festival is the symbol of good over evil. During the nine days Goddess Durga fought with demon Mahisasur and when he was beheaded by Durga, the day was called Vijaydashami.

Why do we celebrate Navratri?

It is the biggest and longest-running festival celebrated in India and is the main Hindu festival. Navratri signifies the good deeds over the bad ones. The nine-day-long fight between Goddess and the demon proved good over evil. We celebrate Navratri as it is believed that worshipping Goddess Durga during these days provides inner strength, power, and helps in receiving salvation. Those who celebrate these nine days with pure heart and soul receive blessings from Durga.

How to Celebrate Navratri?

During nine days nine forms of Goddess Durga are celebrated and worshipped. It is very important to know how to celebrate Navratri. Celebrated as an important day the Kalash Sthapna is a major part of the festival. Devotees keep Kalash with mango leaves and coconut with red sindoor.

Haldi, Kumkum, Chandan, Water, a few Currency coins, and fresh flowers along with red chunari are some essentials required.

The nine forms of Goddess Durga

The nine forms of Durga with dates and Ashtami

• Day 1: Shailputri Puja
• Day 2: Brahmacharini Puja
• Day 3: Chandraghanta Puja
• Day 4: Kushmanda Puja
• Day 5: Skandamata Puja
• Day 6: Katyayani Puja
• Day 7: Kalaratri Puja
• Day 8: 20th April (Tuesday) Annapurna Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja
• Day 9: 21st April (Wednesday) Rama Navami: Siddhidatri Puja

Navratri is celebrated around the country and it is called with different names. There are many ways to celebrate this festival. The beliefs of devotees remain the same. The blessings of Goddess Durga are believed to be the most powerful blessings.

nine avatars of goddess Durga navratri