Navratri 2024 Dates and Importance
Navratri is one of the most wanted festivals among Hindus since it involves worshipping Goddess Durga in her nine forms, for nine nights and ten days. It is also widely practiced and appreciated in India with different regions having differing styles and practices of celebrating it.
 |
| Navratri 2024 |
When is Navratri in 2024:
- Start Date : October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
- End Date : October 11, 2024 (Friday)
- Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami: October 12, 2024 (Saturday)
Importance of Navratri:
Navratri symbolizes the victory of good over evil and Goddess Durga's victory over the demon king Mahishasura. Each of the nine days of Navratri is devoted to one of the nine forms of the goddess, referred to as the Navadurga. During this time, people keep fast, do puja, and engage in formal activities such as Garba and Dandiya.
Navadurga (Nine Forms of Durga)
Shailaputri: Symbolism and Significance
Shailaputri is a personification of nature’s fiercest aspect, as well as the gentle and motherly earth. She rides a bull (Nandi) and carries a trident and lotus, indicating the annihilation of evil and the calm bounty of life respectively.
She is the same Goddess Sati, who had incarnated as Parvati, the mountain daughter. On a spiritual level, Shailaputri is associated with the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra) which represents groundedness and endurance. Sadhaks, who in Navratri start their spiritual journey, request her for groundedness, patience, and determination toward their practice.
Brahmacharini:
The Second Form of Goddess Durga Who Is Also Monumentally Revered
The goddess Brahmacharini is the deity worshipped on the second day of the nine-day Navratri festival. She stands for love, sacrifice, and willpower. In most of her devotional images, the goddess is shown barefoot, one hand clasping a rosary (japa mala), and the other armed with a water pot (kamandalu).
Significance:
- Is considered a personification of sacrifice and spirituality.
- Tapsya (deep meditation and austerity) is an attribute of Brahmacharini who is known for being Lord Shiva’s devoted goddess with virtuous patience and great inner strength.
- Her puja motivates the devotees to develop the virtue of willpower and concentrate on spiritual practices.
Chandraghanta: The Third Incarnation of Goddess Durga
- Chandraghanta is also revered on the third day of Durga Navratri. She embodies heroism, charm, and the energy of a warrior. She is shown bearing a Chandra or a crescent moon on her head, and hence the name Chandraghanta.
Symbolism:
- She rides on a tiger, which represents courage.
- She has ten arms and holds different weapons in each – indicative of bringing peace and destruction to the wicked.
- In her, devotees see the strength and fearlessness to work towards their spiritual goal without any hindrances.
- The color of Chandraghanta is Golden or Yellow which denotes brightness, bravery, and radiance. This is her divine aura and the courage she gives to her devotees.
Kushmanda:
As a divine embodiment, Kushmanda is said to be the fourth dimension of Goddess Durga. Worshipping Devi Kushmanda takes place on the fourth day of the Dussehra Navratri festival. It is believed that the universe is created by her, and her smile lights up even the deepest of darkness.
Symbolism:
- She is lion-mount, eight armed with numerous arms holding an array of weapons, a mala, and an Amrit pot.
- She stands for the qualities of imagination, energy, and happiness for all.
- Health, wealth, and the strength needed for progress and achievement are qualities that her followers petition her for.
Skandamata (5th Form of Durga) :
- Worshipped on: the 5th day of Navratri.
- Symbolism: Mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya).
- Depiction: Rides a lion, carries baby Skanda, and has four arms.
- Significance: Budget motherhood, compassion, and the protection of concerned people.
Katyayani (6th Form of Durga)
- Worshipped on: the 6th day of Navratri.
- Symbolism: Fiercely depicted as a warrior goddess.
- Depiction: Rides a lion, four-handed, carrying weapons.
- Significance: Embodying courage and victory born for spiritual strength during battles, and to overcome challenges.
Kaalratri (7th Form of Durga)
- Worshipped on: the 7th day of Navratri.
- Symbolism: The most angered aspect, is the slayer of evil concentration.
- Depiction: Black in color riding a donkey and has four hands.
- Significance: Dispeller of darkness and negativity and fears protective of strength.
Mahagauri (8th Form of Durga)
- Worshipped on: the 8th day of Navratri.
- Symbolism: Devi represents chastity and tranquility.
- Depiction: White in color rides a bull and has four hands.
- Significance: Provides peace, purification, and freedom from any pain.
Siddhidatri (9th Form of Durga)
- Worshipped on: the 9th day of Navratri.
- Symbolism: The one who gives all.
- Depiction: Sits on a lion or a lotus and holds four hands.
- Significance: Enlightens with education, intellect, and spirituality.
The time of Navratri 2024 will be devotees, enclosure of spiritual and cultural practices, and worshipping the great feminine force coalescing towards Goddess Durga.
Frequently Ask Questions
What dates does Navratri span in 2024?
The festivities of Navratri in 2024 will commence on Thursday, October 3, and will culminate on Friday, October 11. The ultimate day of the festival i.e. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) will be held a day later on Saturday, October 12th, 2024.
Explain the meaning of the word ‘Navratri’ in your own words.
Navratri is a Sanskrit word, and it denotes a festival that honors Goddess Durga and Navadurga. The concept of good overpowering evil is depicted through this festivity, which represents the victory of Goddess Durga over the evil demon Mahishasura.
Mention the observances of Navratri.
During the observance of Navratri, people take part in fasting, prayers, singing, and dancing Garba and Dandiya and other rituals. Devotion is shown to a particular statue for every of the nine forms of the goddess and this is accompanied by cultural practices in different parts of India.
No comments:
Post a Comment