The auspicious festival of Durga Puja is celebrated with great devotion and fanfare across India, especially by people in West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura and some parts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Of the five days of Durga Pujo, Maha Navami has great significance as it marks the day when Goddess Durga slays the demon. This year, Maha Navami 2023 will be celebrated on Monday, October 23. Durga Puja festival marks the victory of the goddess Durga in the battle against the shape-shifting, deceptive demon Mahishasura. On the seventh (Saptami), eighth (Ashtami), and ninth (Navami) day, Durga, along with Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, are revered. In this article, let’s know more about the Maha Navami 2023 Date, Puja Vidhi and the significance of the ninth day of the Durga Puja festival.

Maha Navami 2023 Date

Maha Navami 2023 will be celebrated on Monday, October 23. As per Drik Panchang, Navami Tithi Begins - at 07:58 PM on Oct 22, 2023, and Navami Tithi Ends - at 05:44 PM on Oct 23, 2023.

Maha Navami Puja Vidhi

  • Devotees should wake up early in the morning, take a bath and then begin the puja rituals.

  • Begin the puja by offering prayers to Lord Ganesh, light a ghee diya and incense sticks, and offer flowers to Goddess Durga.

  • Invoke Goddess Durga, offer flowers and perform Aarti.

  • Offer Panchamrit Abhishek to the goddess and fruits, betel leaves, betel nuts, rice, and coconut. Worship the Goddess and seek her blessings for happiness and prosperity.

  • Devotees can also recite Durga Saptashati and Durga Chalisa, which are dedicated to Goddess Durga.

Ayudha Puja Significance

Ayudha Puja literally translates to 'Worship of Tools,' and it holds an important place in the Durga Puja festivities. Devotees worship machines, weapons, books, and musical instruments. The main deities are the Hindu goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati or Tridevi. Maa Saraswati is the goddess of learning, Devi Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity, and Mata Parvati is the goddess of power.

Ayudha Puja Tithi and Timing

As per Drik Panchang, Ayudha Puja will take place on Monday, October 23, 2023. Ayudha Puja Vijaya Muhurat - 02:19 PM to 03:05 PM.

Maha Navami Significance

Durga Puja, also popularly known as Durga Pujo or Durgotsava, is the most important annual festival for Bengali Hindus and a major event in the eastern and northeastern states of India. Maha Navami, or the ninth day, is celebrated as the day when good conquers evil. It is regarded as the final day of the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, where Maa Durga emerges victorious. On this day, people wake early to begin their day with a bath or Mahasnan and then offer prayers to the Goddess.

Durga Puja 2023: Know Start & End Date, Rituals, Significance & When To Perform Dhunuchi Naach

The form of Goddess Durga worshipped on this day is therefore known as Mahishasuramardiini. Durga Puja festival begins with Mahalaya, while the next significant day of Durga Puja is called Shashthi, on which the local community welcomes the goddess Durga and festive celebrations are inaugurated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2023 09:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).