The long-awaited Shardiya Navratri 2023 is just around the corner, and devotees are gearing up for nine days of profound devotion and celebration in honour of Goddess Durga. Navratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated twice a year, with Shardiya Navratri falling in the month of Ashvin, typically in September or October. This year, Shardiya Navratri 2023 spans from October 15th to October 24th.
The Significance of Navratri
Navratri is a jubilation of the divine feminine energy dedicated to Goddess Durga, who epitomises strength, courage, and protection. The term “Navratri” derives from “Nav,” meaning nine, and “Ratri,” meaning night, symbolising the nine nights of devotion and worship.
Navratri Celebrations
Each day of Navratri holds a unique significance as devotees worship a different form of Goddess Durga. In Gujarat, the festival is marked by spirited Garba and Dandiya dances, while other regions observe it through fasting, prayers, and aarti ceremonies.
Shardiya Navratri Schedule 2023
Day 1: October 15, 2023
The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, and wearing vibrant orange is customary. Goddess Shailputri, one of the nine divine forms, is the daughter of Himalaya and symbolises the essence of the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
Day 2: October 16, 2023
On the second day, devotees pay homage to Goddess Brahmacharini, wearing pure white attire. Goddess Brahmacharini, draped in a white saree, embodies the spirit of penance, holding a rosary and kamandal. It is believed that her blessings grant wisdom and knowledge.
Day 3: October 17, 2023
The third day is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, and devotees don vibrant red attire. She is associated with the planet Shukra (Venus) and is often depicted with a semi-circular moon adorning her forehead.
Day 4: October 18, 2023
On the fourth day, Goddess Kushmanda is honoured, with devotees wearing blue attire. Worshipping her during Navratri is believed to bring health, wealth, and strength.
Day 5: October 19, 2023
The fifth day is dedicated to Skand Mata, the goddess of motherhood. Yellow attire is customary, symbolising learning and knowledge in Hinduism.
Day 6: October 20, 2023
On the sixth day, reveres Goddess Katyayani, encouraging devotees to don green attire. Green signifies new beginnings, growth, and fertility.
Day 7: October 21, 2023
On the seventh day, Maa Kaalratri is honoured, with devotees wearing serene grey attire to seek the removal of negativity from their lives.
Day 8: October 22, 2023
The eighth day celebrates Maa Maha Gauri, with the regal shade of purple representing joy and optimism. This day, known as Ashtami, is celebrated with great fervour.
Day 9: October 23, 2023
The ninth and final day, Navmi, is dedicated to the worship of Maa Siddhidatri. Peacock Green is the chosen colour, symbolising kindness, harmony, and affection as Navratri 2023 culminates.
Navratri Muhurat Timing 2023
The auspicious timing for Navratri is vital for accurate rituals and prayers. The Navratri Muhurat for 2023 is as follows:
- Navratri Start Date: October 15, 2023
- Navratri End Date: October 23, 2023
- Dussehra: October 24, 2023 (10th day)
Devotees often commence with the Kalash Sthapna ritual, observed from 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM, based on the Hindu Panchang.
As Shardiya Navratri 2023 approaches, devotees eagerly prepare for this auspicious festival, celebrating it with unwavering devotion, fasting, vibrant colours, and cultural revelry. It is a time to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga and rejoice in the triumph of good over evil. May Navratri 2023 bring happiness, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment to all who partake in this celebration with faith and devotion.