Navratri is one of the holiest Hindu festivals. Navratri is the festival of Goddess Durga who is the most powerful female god of Hindu mythology. Navratri is celebrated for nine nights during which people worship Goddess Durga and Her nine forms to seek Her blessings to remove of miseries of life . Goddess Durga blesses Her devotees with Her Love, protection, fearlessness, courage and confidence and many other divine blessings.
According to the Hindu calendar, Navratri starts at the first day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin. The nine days have great religious significance as Goddess Durga, the divine mother, killed demon Mahishasura during this period.
The festival is celebrated with true devotion and purity all over the India and also abroad. People from various sections of the society irrespective of caste and creed celebrate this festival by visiting temples and offering pujas at the Mother's feet. At many places special puja of Devi are also held by setting up the images/idols of Mother Durga in beautifully decorated pandals.
Durga is also referred to as "Devi" (Goddess) or "Shakti" (energy or power). During Navaratri, we invoke this energy aspect of God within us. It is this energy, which helps God to proceed with the work of creation, preservation and destruction.
Gangajal, Roli, Molly, Betel, Betel nut, Incense stick, Ghee lamp, Fruit, Flower garland, Vilvapatra, Rice, Banana pole, Mango leaves for Vandanwar, Sandalwood, Ghat, Coconut, Turmeric knot, Pancharatna, Red Clothing, full vessel (a vessel full of rice), clay of the Ganges, barley, batasha, fragrant oil, vermilion, camphor, pancha fragrance, fruits for naivedya etc. (Panchamrit), milk, curd, honey, sugar (Panchagavya), cow Cow dung, cow urine, cow milk, cow curd, cow ghee, clothes for Durga ji, jewelery and naivedyadi, the above materials for worshiping the light in Ashtami. Dabha, Ghrita, Gangachal.
Shardiya Navratri 2024 will start on Thursday, 03 October 2024 and end on Saturday, 12 October 2024.