Mumbai: Shardiya Navratri, celebrated with immense devotion across India, marks one of the most important Hindu festivals. This festival spans nine days, beginning on October 3, 2024, and concluding on October 12 with Vijayadashami (Dussehra). During Navratri, devotees worship different forms of Goddess Durga, with each day dedicated to a particular incarnation. Additionally, every day is associated with a distinct colour, symbolising specific virtues, which devotees incorporate into their attire to pay respect to the goddess of the day.

These nine days are a time for spiritual reflection, fasting, and participation in traditional rituals that vary across regions. The festival is also known for its vibrant celebrations, including Garba and Dandiya dances in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal, and grand processions across various states, creating a deeply festive atmosphere throughout India.

About Shardiya Navratri 2024

Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, falling between September and October. It is the most significant of all the Navratris, signifying the victory of good over evil. Devotees across India observe fasting, offer prayers, and celebrate each day by worshipping the different forms of Goddess Durga. The festival culminates with Vijayadashami, a day that marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the ultimate victory of light over darkness.

Shardiya Navratri Colour, Day, and Date Wise List 2024

In Shardiya Navratri 2024, each day is dedicated to a specific goddess, along with a corresponding colour that holds spiritual significance. The festival begins on October 3, 2024, with Pratipada, and continues for nine days, concluding on October 12, 2024, with Vijayadashami. The schedule for each day, including the name of the goddess and the designated colour, is an important part of the festival for devotees who follow these traditions closely. Wearing the prescribed colour for each day is believed to enhance devotion and align the worshipper with the divine energy of that particular form of Goddess Durga.

Here’s the day-wise breakdown for Navratri 2024:

Shardiya Navratri 2024 Colour: Significance of Colours

Each day of Shardiya Navratri 2024 is associated with a particular colour, which holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. Devotees wear these colours as part of their attire, enhancing their connection to the goddess being worshipped. Wearing the designated colour is believed to amplify the positive energy and blessings of the day, aligning devotees with the divine qualities of the goddess.

1. Yellow (Day 1): Yellow represents joy and cheerfulness, associated with the beginning of Navratri and the worship of Maa Shailputri.
2. Green (Day 2): Green symbolises growth and renewal, and it is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, who brings calm and happiness.
3. Grey (Day 3): Grey signifies balanced emotions and is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, known for her power to bring peace.
4. Orange (Day 4): Orange signifies warmth, energy, and devotion, representing the radiant Maa Kushmanda.
5. White (Day 5): White symbolises purity and peace, celebrated with the worship of Maa Skandamata.
6. Red (Day 6): Red stands for strength and passion, signifying Maa Katyayani’s fierce energy.
7. Royal Blue (Day 7): Royal Blue symbolises divinity and inner strength, representing the worship of Maa Kalaratri.
8. Pink (Day 8): Pink is the colour of love and harmony, associated with Maa Mahagauri, the epitome of beauty and serenity.
9. Purple (Day 9): Purple represents ambition and power, dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, who fulfils all desires.

Dress Code for Shardiya Navratri 2024

Following the traditional dress code for each day of Navratri not only adds a cultural touch but also enhances the spiritual connection. The suggested dress code for Sharad Navratri 2024 is:

1. Day 1 (Yellow): Wear bright yellow to honour Maa Shailputri.
2. Day 2 (Green): Dress in green to welcome the calming presence of Maa Brahmacharini.
3. Day 3 (Grey): Don grey to show balance and wisdom like Maa Chandraghanta.
4. Day 4 (Orange): Wear orange to embody the warmth and positivity of Maa Kushmanda.
5. Day 5 (White): White is the colour of purity, perfect for celebrating Maa Skandamata.
6. Day 6 (Red): Red symbolises courage, a perfect tribute to Maa Katyayani.
7. Day 7 (Royal Blue): Dress in royal blue to reflect the divine power of Maa Kalaratri.
8. Day 8 (Pink): Pink is for love and peace, embodying the grace of Maa Mahagauri.
9. Day 9 (Purple): Purple represents ambition, ideal for worshipping Maa Siddhidatri.

Shardiya Navratri 9 Days Goddess Names

Each of the nine days of Shardiya Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, each representing unique virtues, powers, and energies. These forms are revered for their ability to bring about transformation, protection, and blessings in different aspects of life. Worshipping these forms during Navratri not only enhances spiritual growth but also helps devotees overcome challenges and achieve personal and familial harmony. Each goddess signifies a specific aspect of the divine feminine energy, from strength and wisdom to nurturing and prosperity, offering guidance and protection throughout the year.

Shardiya Navratri Bhog 2024

Offering bhog (food) to the Goddess is a key part of Navratri celebrations. Each day has a specific food offering that holds spiritual significance:

Shardiya Navratri 2024 Celebration

Shardiya Navratri is celebrated with great zeal and devotion. The festival begins with Ghatasthapana (the installation of a sacred pot) on the first day. Devotees observe fasting, offer prayers, and participate in rituals for the next nine days, leading to the culmination on Vijayadashami.

• Ghatasthapana Muhurat: The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana on October 3, 2024, is between 06:15 AM to 07:22 AM.
• Vijayadashami: On October 12, 2024, the festival concludes with Durga Visarjan (immersion of the idols), symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Celebrations across India include vibrant Garba and Dandiya nights, community feasts, and processions. These nine days of devotion, fasting, and celebrations mark one of the most joyous times of the year for devotees of Goddess Durga.