Navratri 2023: October Dates and Schedule

Navratri 2023: October Dates and Schedule

Navratri, a Hindu festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and by Indians worldwide, is a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is a time of fasting, prayer, and celebration. Navratri is celebrated four times a year, but the one that falls in the month of October, known as Sharad Navratri, is the most significant and widely observed.

Dates for Navratri 2023: Navratri in 2023 is expected to begin on Wednesday, 20th September, and end on Thursday, 28th September. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga and is associated with specific colors, rituals, and practices.

Day-wise Schedule and Rituals during Navratri 2023

Day 1: Pratipada

• Color: Yellow
• Goddess: Shailaputri
• Rituals: Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), offering of prayers to Goddess Shailaputri

Day 2: Dwitiya

• Color: Green
• Goddess: Brahmacharini
• Rituals: Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini, fasting practices begin

Day 3: Tritiya

• Color: Grey
• Goddess: Chandraghanta
• Rituals: Devotees worship Chandraghanta, offering milk and flowers

Day 4: Chaturthi

• Color: Orange
• Goddess: Kushmanda
• Rituals: Offering Malpua as bhog to the Goddess, chanting mantras

Day 5: Panchami

• Color: White
• Goddess: Skandamata
• Rituals: Offering bananas to the Goddess, special prayers

Day 6: Shashthi

• Color: Red
• Goddess: Katyayani
• Rituals: Performing Aarti, reciting Katyayani Stotram

Day 7: Saptami

• Color: Royal Blue
• Goddess: Kalaratri
• Rituals: Aarti in the evening, lighting oil lamps

Day 8: Ashtami

• Color: Pink
• Goddess: Mahagauri
• Rituals: Offering Coconut and Makhane as bhog, wearing pink attire

Day 9: Navami

• Color: Purple
• Goddess: Siddhidatri
• Rituals: Kanya Pujan, offering prasad to young girls

Day 10: Vijayadashami

• Color: Peacock Green
• Rituals: Celebrated as Dussehra, burning effigies of Ravana, symbolic victory of good over evil

Significance of Navratri

Navratri is a time for spiritual reflection, renewal, and rejuvenation. The nine days are filled with devotion, fasting, and festive celebrations. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Durga during Navratri helps devotees attain spiritual growth, inner strength, and blessings from the Divine Mother.

Key elements of Navratri celebrations include:

• Navratri Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting during Navratri, avoiding certain foods like grains, onion, garlic, and meat. Some opt for a complete or partial fast, consuming fruits, milk, and specific items allowed during the fast.

• Dandiya and Garba Raas: In Gujarat and other parts of India, people come together to perform Garba and Dandiya Raas, traditional folk dances that involve rhythmic movements, music, and colorful outfits.

• Golu Display: In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Golu is a tradition where families set up display steps with idols and dolls representing Gods, Goddesses, and various themes.

• Kanjak Pujan: Kanya Puja or Kanjak Pujan is a ritual where young girls are worshiped as manifestations of the Goddess and offered food, blessings, and gifts.

FAQs

1. What is Ghatasthapana?

Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, marks the beginning of Navratri. It involves the installation of a Kalash (pot) filled with water and adorned with mango leaves and a coconut, symbolizing the presence of the Divine.

2. Can anyone observe Navratri fasts?

Navratri fasts can be observed by individuals who are physically and mentally prepared. Pregnant women, elderly, and those with medical conditions are advised to consult a healthcare provider before fasting.

3. What is the significance of Kanya Pujan on the last day of Navratri?

Kanya Pujan symbolizes honoring the Divine Feminine by worshiping young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga. It is believed to bring blessings and abundance to the household.

4. How is Navratri celebrated in different regions of India?

Navratri is celebrated diversely across India. While Garba and Dandiya are popular in Gujarat, Bommai Kolu (doll displays) are common in Tamil Nadu. Sundal (cooked legumes) is a special offering in South India.

5. What are the traditional dishes prepared during Navratri?

During Navratri, people prepare satvik meals that are free from onion, garlic, and grains. Some commonly prepared dishes include Sabudana Khichdi, Kuttu Ki Puri, and Singhare Ke Atte Ka Halwa.

6. Can non-Hindus participate in Navratri celebrations?

Navratri celebrations are inclusive, and people from all backgrounds are welcome to participate in the festivities. It is a time to seek blessings, experience cultural traditions, and celebrate unity.

7. Why is Kumari Puja performed during Navratri?

Kumari Puja involves worshipping young girls as forms of Goddess Durga. It signifies purity, innocence, and the untapped power within every female, echoing the essence of the Divine Feminine.

8. What is the significance of wearing specific colors during Navratri?

Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific color that resonates with the energy of the corresponding Goddess. Wearing these colors is believed to enhance one’s connection with the Divine during the festival.

9. How can one spiritually connect with Goddess Durga during Navratri?

To spiritually connect with Goddess Durga during Navratri, one can engage in prayers, meditation, chanting of mantras, and performing acts of seva (service). Focusing on self-reflection and devotion can deepen the spiritual bond.

10. What is the significance of Dussehra on the tenth day of Navratri?

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, marks the end of Navratri and the triumph of good over evil. The day is celebrated by burning effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran, symbolizing the victory of righteousness.

In conclusion

Navratri is a festival that encapsulates the essence of devotion, celebration, and cultural heritage. Whether you choose to participate in rituals, fasting, dance, or worship, Navratri offers a unique opportunity to connect with the Divine and celebrate the spirit of goodness. May this Navratri bring joy, prosperity, and blessings to all those who celebrate it with heartfelt devotion.