Shardiya Navratri 2023 will start on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
Navratri is a Hindu Festival in which nine forms of goddess Durga are worshipped for 9 continuous days. It is celebrated two times in a year, once in the spring and once in the autumn. Shardiya Navratri is most popular in the two Navratris.
During Navratri, followers of Durga observe fasts, engage in puja (worship), and sing hymns to her praise. Additionally, they use flowers and lights to adorn their homes and temples. The victory of good over evil is commemorated by devotees on the tenth day of Navratri, also known as Dussehra.
Hindus all over the world celebrate Navratri as a happy and fortunate holiday. It’s an occasion to gather with loved ones and friends to honour the divine feminine and ask for her blessings.
Learn everything about Navratri 2023 in our detailed article.
| Date | Navratri Day |
|---|---|
|
October 15 |
Ghatsthapana/Shailputri Pratipada |
|
October 16 |
Brahmacharini Dwitiya |
|
October 17 |
Chandraghanta Tritiya |
|
October 18 |
Kushmanda Chaturthi |
|
October 19 |
Skandamata Panchami |
|
October 20 |
Katyayani Shashti |
|
October 21 |
Kaalratri Saptami |
|
October 22 |
Mahagauri Ashtami |
|
October 23 |
Siddhidatri Navami |
|
October 24 |
Durga Visarjan Dashami |
Why Navratri Is Celebrated
Although there are many reasons why Navratri is observed, the most popular one is to honour the victory of good over evil. In the Hindu culture, goddess Durga vanquished the demon Mahishasura during the festival of Navratri.
A strong demon named Mahishasura was blessed with immortality by God Brahma. But Brahma also commanded that only a woman could kill Mahishasura.
The gods turned to Durga for assistance when Mahishasura started terrorising the world. Mahishasura was finally vanquished by Durga on the tenth day after a nine-day, nine-night battle. The tenth day of Navratri, or Dussehra, is when this victory is commemorated.
Navratri is a time to worship the goddess Durga in all of her various guises in addition to commemorating the triumph of good over evil. Durga is a strong and generous goddess who is revered for her compassion, bravery, and strength. She is also regarded as a woman and child’s defender.
We also have a article on the worship of Durga Saptashadi which will help you to schedule your Poojas of each Navratri day.
Devotees worship Durga in each of her nine guises during Navratri, including:
- Brahmacharini
- Shailputri
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skandamata
- Katyayani
- Kalaratri
- Siddhidatri
- Mahagauri
Every manifestation of Durga is a different facet of her divine power. In order to obtain her blessings and to overcome obstacles in their lives, devotees worship Durga in these nine forms.
What To Eat In Navratri Fast
The following foods are permitted during the Navratri fast:
- Fruits: All varieties of fruit, such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, mangoes, papaya, watermelon, etc., are acceptable.
- Vegetables: All vegetables are acceptable, with the exception of ginger, garlic, and onions. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, arbi (taro root), kachalu (yams), suran (yam), lemons, raw or semi-ripe pumpkin, raw pumpkin, spinach, tomatoes, bottle gourd, cucumber, carrots, etc. are some common vegetables eaten during the Navratri fast.
- Flour: Wheat and rice flour are forbidden during the Navratri fast. Instead, kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) or singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) can be used to make a variety of foods like puris, chapatis, parathas, dosas, etc.
- Milk and dairy products: During the Navratri fast, milk and dairy products, including curd, paneer (cottage cheese), white butter, ghee, malai, and concoctions made with milk and khoya, are permitted.
- Other: Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and sabudana (tapioca pearls) are also permitted during the Navratri fast.
Here are some sample meal plans for Navratri fast:
Breakfast:
- Sabudana khichdi
- Kuttu puri with aloo sabzi
- Singhare ka paratha with yogurt
- Fruit chaat
- Milk and nuts
Lunch:
- Kuttu ka thalipeeth with curd
- Singhare ka dosa with sambhar
- Aloo sabzi with kuttu roti
- Vegetable pulao made with buckwheat flour
- Khichdi made with buckwheat flour and dal
Dinner:
- Kuttu puri with paneer sabzi
- Singhare ka paratha with aloo sabzi
- Vegetable pulao made with buckwheat flour
- Khichdi made with buckwheat flour and dal
- Fruits and nuts
Know more about what you should eat or not in your fast in Navratri within this article of Times of India.
When Navratri Ends
Navratri ends on the tenth day, which is also known as Dussehra. Dussehra is celebrated on Monday, October 23, 2023.
On Dussehra, devotees celebrate the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Dussehra marks the day when the goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura.
Tips for your Health in Navratri Fast
As you are, our beloved reader we sincerely care about your health during your fast in Navratri.
- To stay hydrated, sip lots of water throughout the day.
- Consume regular meals and snacks to keep from getting hungry or dizzy.
- Pick foods that are high in nutrients, like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
- Prevent consuming processed foods, sugary beverages, too much caffeine, and alcohol.
- Break your fast and seek medical advice if you’re feeling under the weather.
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FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
The colors of Navratri are determined by the day of the week on which the festival begins. The initial color is white, followed by red, yellow, green, grey, orange, peacock green, and pink in a set cycle.
The Navratri celebrations of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, are well-known. The city is well-known for its spectacular garba dances and brightly colored costumes. Other Indian cities famous for their Navratri celebrations include Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Saraswati Puja will be held on October 18th, 2023, the fourth day of Navratri. Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of learning and knowledge. On Saraswati Puja, students and scholars worship her.
To do Navratri puja at home, you will need the following items:
- A picture or idol of the goddess Durga
- A plate with offerings, such as fruits, flowers, and sweets
- A diya (oil lamp)
- Incense sticks
- A bell
To perform the puja, follow these steps:
- Cleanse your hands and face.
- Light the diya and incense sticks.
- Ring the bell three times.
- Place the offerings on the plate in front of the picture or idol of Durga.
- Chant mantras or prayers in praise of Durga.
- Meditate on Durga’s divine qualities.
- Conclude the puja by ringing the bell three times.
Onion and garlic are considered to be tamasic foods, which means that they have negative qualities. Tamasic foods are said to increase negative emotions, such as anger, lust, and greed.
Onion and garlic are also said to have aphrodisiac properties, which can lead to sexual thoughts and desires. During Navratri, devotees want to focus on their spiritual journey, and they want to avoid anything that could distract them from their devotion to the goddess Durga.
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