Shardiya Navratri 2024: Celebrating Nine Forms Of Goddess Durga Across India

By Oneindia Staff

Updated: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 8:43 [IST]

Shardiya Navratri, also known as Navratri, Nav Durga, or Nau Durga, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion across India. In 2024, it begins on Thursday, 3rd October. This nine-day festival honours the nine forms of Goddess Durga, symbolising power and purity. Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, with various rituals and traditions followed by devotees.

Navratri holds immense significance in Hindu culture. It is celebrated for different reasons across India. In the East, it is observed as Durga Puja, marking Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura. In North India, it commemorates Lord Rama's worship of Goddess Durga for strength to defeat Ravana. The festival signifies the triumph of good over evil.

During Shardiya Navratri, devotees place an idol or photograph of Goddess Durga and perform Kalash Sthaapana. They invoke the goddess by chanting mantras and offer prayers and offerings. A Diya and incense stick are lit, and flowers, fruits, cloth, and scent are offered to the Kalash and the goddess's idol. Devotees recite mantras and perform aarti to seek blessings.

How Shardiya Navratri is Celebrated

People observe fasts and conduct poojas to please the different forms of the goddess. In North and Western India, Navratri includes 'Ram Lila' performances and burning effigies of Ravana. The final day is known as Dussehra in North India and Vijay Dashami in the East. These celebrations highlight Lord Ram's victory over Ravana.

Attire and Food During Shardiya Navratri

Women often wear red, green, or yellow sarees or lehengas during Shardiya Navratri. The festival promotes satvik food, which excludes non-vegetarian items and focuses on purity. Devotees consume simple meals made from fruits, vegetables, and dairy products while avoiding grains and pulses during fasting days.

The Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

The nine days of Navratri are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga:

Day 1: Shailaputri - Daughter of Daksha, married to Shiva.
Day 2: Brahmacharini - Performed penance for Lord Shiva.
Day 3: Chandraghanta - Symbol of bravery.
Day 4: Kushmanda - Creator of the universe.
Day 5: Skanda Mata - Mother of Skanda.
Day 6: Katyayani - Born to Rishi Katyayan.
Day 7: Kalrathri - Created from gods' energies.
Day 8: Maha Gauri - Forgives sins.
Day 9: Siddhidatri - Possesses eight siddhis.

The Legend Behind Shardiya Navratri

A popular legend tells of Mahishasura, a demon granted immortality by Lord Shiva. He began tormenting people until Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma created Goddess Durga to defeat him. After a nine-day battle, she beheaded Mahishasura on the last day. Another legend involves Lord Rama worshipping Goddess Durga for strength to defeat Ravana during these nine days.

Kathaa Associated with Shardiya Navratri

The story of Goddess Sati and Lord Shiva is also linked to Navratri. Uma, daughter of King Daksha, wanted to marry Shiva. Despite her father's disapproval due to Shiva's attire, she married him. Later, she sacrificed herself in a yajna fire due to her father's insults but attained immortality through it. She visits her parents' home for nine days each year during Ashvin month.