Navratri 2024 Date and Time: As the festive season approaches, preparations are underway for Shardiya Navratri, one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, celebrated with immense zeal across the country.
Dates, Times, and Significance
This year, Navratri will commence on October 3 and continue until October 12, culminating in the auspicious festival of Dussehra (Vijayadashami), which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Navratri, observed during the month of Ashwin, begins on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon). Each day of this nine-day festival is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, honoring her various manifestations and virtues. Devotees engage in fasting, worship, and various sacred rituals to express their devotion and seek blessings from the divine.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat
A pivotal event marking the onset of Navratri is the Ghatasthapana, a sacred ritual that involves invoking Goddess Shakti in a Kalash (sacred pot). This year, the Ghatasthapana Muhurat will take place on October 3 from 6:30 AM to 7:31 AM, while the Abhijit Muhurat is set for 12:03 PM to 12:51 PM. The Ghatasthapana sets the tone for the nine days of festivity, signifying the arrival of the goddess into the homes of devotees.
During these nine days, temples across the country will be adorned with vibrant decorations, and communities will come together to celebrate with traditional music, dance, and cultural performances. The festive atmosphere is amplified by the Garba and Dandiya Raas dance forms, which are especially popular in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
