Shardiya Navratri 2024 is one of the most popular Hindu festivals as people celebrate the victory of good over evil. For people looking forward to the Navratri date, it will begin on 3 October 2024 and will go on for the next nine days. Each day of the Navratri festival is celebrated with people worshipping the different forms of the goddess and it is celebrated all over the country.
It commences with Ghatasthapana, in which the Goddess Durga, in the form of a Kalash, is ‘established’ in the house. The pot is then half-filled with water, and special offerings are placed in it – a stainless container is then placed on the pot, and a coconut is placed upon this and worshipped throughout the festival. This Kalash holds the essence of the universe and Goddess Durga when she is invited into each household for these nine days.
Every day of Navratri 2024 is associated with a specific form of the Goddess:
- Day 1 (Shailaputri): It stands for strength and courage. People use cow ghee for worship, and the priest and the devotees put on red dresses.
- Day 2 (Brahmacharini): Stands for devotion and sobriety. Sugar is given, and a white dress is put on.
- Day 3 (Chandraghanta): Embodies bravery and grace. Milk-based products are provided, and the color yellow is used.
- Day 4 (Kushmanda): Bring health and well-being. Malpua is given, and the devotees put on green, preferably.
- Day 5 (Skandamata): Bestows power and prosperity. Bananas are presented, and grey clothes are worn.
- Day 6 (Katyayani): Stands for guards or young men and prosperity. Honey is given, and people dress in orange.
- Day 7 (Kalaratri): Reflects a capacity to vanquish evil doers. Jaggery is served, and milk is consumed. A white dress is worn.
- Day 8 (Mahagauri): Represents peace and patience. It is Coconut Day, and the color is pink.
- Day 9 (Siddhidatri): Off how in twain ways one may dispense with wisdom and enlightenment. Sesame seeds are offered.
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