Shardiya Navratri brings joy with Devotional Practices, Worship, and Generous Acts
Navratri is one of the most vibrant and sacred festivals in Hinduism. This festival has been mentioned in many texts of Hinduism. It is said in the Bhagwat Purana that this festival of goddess worship is celebrated four times a year. It includes Chaitra Navratri, Sharadiya Navratri and 2 Gupt Navratri.
The word “Navratri” is made up of two Sanskrit words, “Nava” which means nine and “Ratri” which means night. These nine nights are dedicated to the worship of divine feminine energy. The festival of Sharadiya Navratri usually falls in September or October. This holy festival of Navratri is a symbol of cultural diversity along with religious significance.
This festival is celebrated in different ways in different states of India. In which every day different divine forms of Jagat Janani Maa Durga are worshiped. During the nine days of Navratri, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandha Mata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri forms of Jagat Janani Maa Bhagwati Durga are worshiped.
Navratri 2024 Date and Ghatasthapana Muhurta
This year Shardiya Navratri is starting from 3rd October, Thursday. According to the Panchang, Ashwin Shukla Pratipada Tithi is starting from 12:18 pm on 2nd October. This holy festival of Navratri is considered to start with Pratipada. On the auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratri, Ghatasthapana Muhurta is from 6:15 am to 07:22 am on 3rd October. Also, Abhijeet Muhurta is from 11:46 am to 12:33 pm.
Ghatasthapana Vidhi of Navaratri
First of all, take a bath early in the morning on Pratipada Tithi, wear clean clothes and take a resolution to worship. After this, take a wooden stool, decorate it by spreading a red cloth on it. Fill a Kalash with water and place it on the stool, after this wrap the Kalawa on the Kalash, place mango and Ashoka leaves on the Kalash. Wrap the coconut in a red cloth and place it on the Kalash and invoke Jagat Janani Maa Bhagwati Durga by lighting incense and lamp, also start the worship according to the method of worship of Mother Bhagwati Durga mentioned in the scriptures.
Purpose of the fast
At the time of Navratri, there is a special energy in nature, which can change a person completely after assimilating it. The purpose of fasting during the festival is that we can purify the mind and brain to control ourselves. When any person keeps a fast with pure feelings, then his thinking remains positive, which directly affects the body and that person feels positive energy within himself. If the sadhaks keep their mind stable and observe fasts etc. at this time, then the discipline of fasts is very beneficial for them.
Navratri Donation and Kanya Bhojan
On the holy occasion, feeding girls and giving them Navratri donations is very virtuous. In these nine days dedicated to Mother Bhagwati Durga, devotees should worship girls by invoking the mother on any day, feed them delicious food and give donations. By this, the blessings of Mother Durga are bestowed on the sadhaks and the mother fulfills all their wishes.
- Feeding the Needy: Organizing food distribution drives to ensure that underprivileged individuals receive nutritious meals is a profound way to honor the spirit of Navratri.
- Kanya Pujan: During these nine nights, it is customary to worship young girls as manifestations of the goddess. Feeding and honoring these girls, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, is considered extremely auspicious.
- Educational Support: Providing school supplies, scholarships, or funding for educational programs can greatly impact the lives of children from disadvantaged families.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Supporting health camps and medical assistance for the elderly and disabled can significantly enhance their quality of life.
Get Kanya Poojan done through the Narayan Seva Sansthan (NGO)
On this Sharadiya Navratri, Narayan Seva Sansthan is going to get Kanya Poojan done for 501 girls. In these nine days dedicated to Mother Bhagwati Durga, free operation of 501 handicapped girls will be done and along with that they will be offered kheer, puri and halwa. And worship will be done by covering them with a chunari. On the holy occasion of Navratri, become a part of virtue by cooperating in this project of Kanya Poojan of the institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):-
Q: When does Shardiya Navratri take place in 2024?
A: Shardiya Navratri begins on October 3, 2024.
Q: What are the forms of Goddess Durga worshipped during this festival?
A: The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Q: How can I participate in charitable activities during Navratri?
A: You can volunteer, donate food or funds, or support organizations like Narayan Seva Sansthan that work with the needy.
Q: What colors should I wear during Shardiya Navratri?
A: Each day has its designated color:
Day 1 (October 3): Red (Shailaputri), Day 2 (October 4): Royal Blue (Brahmacharini), Day 3 (October 5): Yellow(Chandraghanta), Day 4 (October 6): Green (Kushmanda), Day 5 (October 7): Grey (Skandamata), Day 6 (October 8): Orange(Katyayani), Day 7 (October 9): White (Kalratri), Day 8 (October 10): Pink (Mahagauri), Day 9 (October 11): Purple(Siddhidatri)
Q: What is Ghatasthapana, and when is it performed?
A: Ghatasthapana is the ritual of establishing the sacred pot, marking the beginning of the Navratri festivities. It will be performed on October 3, 2024, during the auspicious time of 6:15 AM to 7:22 AM.
As we prepare to celebrate Shardiya Navratri, let us embrace the spirit of devotion and service. By participating in charitable acts and uplifting those in need, we honor Goddess Durga and cultivate a sense of unity and compassion within our communities. May this Navratri bring joy, prosperity, and spiritual growth to everyone.
