Navratri is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in India and other parts of the world with great fanfare and enthusiasm. The name of the festival ‘Navratri’ is derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Nav’, which means ‘nine’, and ‘Ratri’ meaning night. The festival usually falls in the months of September or October, according to the Hindu calendar and spans over nine nights and ten days. Navaratri, also known as Sharadiya Navratri, celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Navaratri falls in the bright half (waxing phase) of the Hindu lunisolar months. Of all the Navratris, Sharada Navaratri is the most famous one. This year, Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15 with Ghatasthapana and end with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami on October 24. Navratri 2023 Colours With Date: Get a List of 9 Colors To Wear on Each Day of the Sharadiya Navratri Festival in October.

During the nine-day festivity, devotees perform special rituals to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga. As we celebrate Navratri 2023, here’s all you need to know about Navratri 2023 dates, Navratri Puja Vidhi, Navratri 2023 shubh muhurat and the significance of the auspicious festival.

Navratri 2023 Dates

Navratri 2023 will begin on October 15 with Ghatasthapana and end with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami on October 24.

Navratri Ghatasthapana

As per Drik Panchang, Navratri Ghatasthapana will take place on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Ghatasthapana Muhurat - 12:01 PM to 12:48 PM with a duration of 47 minutes. Durga Puja 2023 Full Calendar: Here's a Day-Wise Puja Schedule and Full Durga Pujo Dates.

Navratri Puja Vidhi

  1. Devotees should wake up early in the morning, take a bath, wear clean clothes and then begin the puja rituals.

  2. Place an idol or image of Goddess Durga in the temple of your house or in the puja area and make the puja thali that includes a diya (lamp) with oil or ghee, incense sticks, a bell, a conch shell (shankh), and flowers.

  3. Devotees can offer fruits, sweets, and other special dishes to the Goddess.

  4. During Navratri, devotees observe fasts and abstain from certain foods like grains, lentils, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian items. They may consume fruits and dairy products.

  5. Devotees perform pujas and aartis by offering flowers, incense, lamps, and various food items to the Goddess.

  6. Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha for blessings and then light the diya and incense sticks and offer them to the goddess

  7. Sing aarti and bhajans to please the deities and offer bhog.

  8. Place the prasad in front of the goddess and conclude the puja by giving the prasad to family members.

Navratri Significance

The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great devotion and zeal, including varying customs and traditions across different regions of India. In the state of Gujarat, the Navratri festival is marked by lively Garba and Dandiya Raas dances. In West Bengal, the festival culminates with Durga Puja, a grand celebration that involves elaborate pandals, artistic idols, and cultural events. Navratri is a  celebration of Indian culture, music, and dance and provides an opportunity for people to come together, enjoy traditional performances, and have a joyous time with family and friends.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2023 06:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).