Navratri, one of the most important festivals, is celebrated with great devotion across India. Shardiya Navratri, the most prominent of all Navratris, is also known as Maha Navratri due to its immense significance. In 2024, Shardiya Navratri takes place in the lunar month of Ashwin during the autumn season (Sharad Ritu).
The festival lasts nine days, each dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. It culminates on the tenth day with Dussehra (Vijayadashami), symbolising the victory of good over evil. The 2024 Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 3 and end on October 12.
During this time, devotees engage in fasting, worship and other sacred rituals to honour the Goddess. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri and is considered a very sacred ritual. It involves invoking Goddess Shakti in a Kalash (sacred pot) and setting the tone for the nine days of festivity.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat on October 3 is from 06:30 AM to 07:31 AM and Abhijit Muhurat will occur from 12:03 PM to 12:51 PM. Start the puja by meditating and invoking Goddess Durga. Chant the specific mantra while facing the Durga idol and performing the Avahan Mudra.
Here is a detailed guide on this Navratri’s dates, rituals and important practices. When Is Navratri 2024? Start and End Dates The 2024 Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 3rd, 2024 and end on October 12th, 2024 , culminating in Vijayadashami. October 3 will be the Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja Day while October 12 will be the Navratri Pa.