Sharad Navratri 2023 Sharadiya Mahanavratri 2023
Ashwin (Shardiya) Mahanavratri 15 October to 24 October
Navratri is a major festival celebrated by Hindus in India. During this period, nine different forms of Mother Goddess are worshipped. Although Navratri comes four times in a year in the months of Chaitra, Ashadh, Ashwin and Magh, but Navratri falling from Pratipada to Navami of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra and Ashwin month is quite popular. Due to being in the spring season, Chaitra Navratri is also called Vasanti Navratri and the Navratri of Ashwin month falling in autumn is also called Shardiya Navratri. Among Chaitra and Ashwin Navratri, Ashwin Navratri is called Mahanavratri. One reason for this is that this Navratri falls just before Dussehra, Navratri is opened on the day of Dussehra itself. The worship of different forms of Mother Goddess during the nine days of Navratri is also seen as the worship of Shakti.
There are nine different forms of Mother Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. Ghatasthapana is done on the first day of Navratri. After this, the mother is worshiped and fasted for nine consecutive days. The fast is broken after worshiping the girl on the tenth day.
Navratri falling in Shukla Paksha of Ashadha and Magh months is called Gupt Navratri. Although Gupt Navratri is not generally celebrated, Gupt Navratri holds great significance for those who practice Tantra. Mother Goddess is worshiped by Tantriks during this period.
Sharad Navratri Dates and Times
15th
October 2023
(Sunday)
16th
October 2023
(Monday)
17th
October 2023
(Tuesday)
18th
October 2023
(Wednesday)
19th
October 2023
(Thursday)
20th
October 2023
(Friday)
21st
October 2023
(Saturday)
22nd
October 2023
(Sunday)
23rd
October 2023
(Wednesday)
24th
October 2023
(Thursday)
Navratri is a nine-day long, auspicious festival celebrated all over India for different reasons every year. It is culturally dedicated to Goddess Durga, an exemplar of Shakti or the cosmic energy. Among all the five Navratras (Chaitra, Aashad, Ashwin, Paush and Magh) that fall in a year, Sharad Navratri is the most essential one. Apart from that, Magh, Ashadha & Paush are known as Gupt Navratris.
Sharad Navratri is observed in the month of September/ October. The Navratri festival is widely commemorated throughout the country with full enthusiasm. During this 9 day festival of Navratri, the 9 manifestations of Goddess Durga are worshipped. Each manifestation of Goddess Durga exemplifies a distinctive virtue and is believed to accord spiritual and worldly fulfillment.
Cultural Traditions and Significance
Sharad Navratri commences on the first and ends on the tenth day of the bright half of the lunar month, Ashwin. Sharad Navratri festival is dedicated to Maa Durga and celebrated with tremendous zeal and enthusiasm, especially in Northern and Eastern India. The tenth day is oftenly referred to as ‘VIJAYADASHAMI’ or ‘DUSSEHRA’. Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the Ashwin month or the Sharad month which indicates the beginning of winters.
During the festival of Navratri, people from cities and villages come together to perform Navratri Puja in their house or in shrines epitomizing different manifestations of Goddess Durga. During this nine day festival chanting of mantras, renditions of bhajans or holy songs accompany the Navratri Puja rituals for nine consecutive days.
Mythological Significance
As per the scripted details, Lord Ram worshipped the Divine power in order to defeat Demon King Lord Raavan and kill him. He proclaimed the message of Good Triumphing Over Evil.
Have a look at the Nine Days of Sharad Navratri and Rituals to be conducted:
● Day 1 – Maa Shailputri Puja – The first form of Maa Durga, Maa Shailputri represents the planet Moon. Worshipping her can help to eliminate any bad effects or omens.
● Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini Puja – As per astrology, Maa Brahmacharini controls the planet Mars and diminishes any bad effects if worshipped with a pure heart.
● Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta Puja – Maa Chandraghata dominates the planet Venus and offers courage and fearlessness.
● Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda Puja – Maa Kushmanda represents the planet Sun and eliminates any ill-effects in the nearby future.
● Day 5 – Maa Skandamata Puja – Maa Skand Mata represents the planet Mercury and is very compassionate towards her devotee.
● Day 6 – Maa Katyayani Puja – Jupiter planet is controlled by Maa Katyayani. She provides courage and prowess to her worshippers.
● Day 7 – Maa Kaalratri Puja – Maa Kaalratri controls the Saturn planet and symbolises valour.
● Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri Puja – Maa Mahagauri is the divine controller of planet Rahu and pacify harmful effects.
● Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri Puja – Maa Siddhidatri dominates the planet Ketu and offers wisdom and knowledge.
Importance of Colors in Navratra
Apart from this, each Navratra is related to a particular color. The Navratra Color are listed below. It is believed that using these colors during Navratra festival will fetch you good luck.
Pratipada – Yellow
Dwitiya – Green
Tritiya – Grey
Chaturthi – Orange
Panchami – White
Shashthi – Red
Saptami- Royal Blue
Ashtami – Pink
Navmi – Purple
We, at PujaBooking, wish you all a very happy and prosperous Sharad Navratra. May Goddess Durga bestow upon you peace, happiness and good health.