Complete Navratri 2024 Guide: Dates, Muhurat Timings, Maa Durga Forms, Colors, and Rituals
Navratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated to honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The 2024 Shardiya Navratri will be celebrated from October 3 to October 12. Below is a detailed guide for each day, including the associated Devi names, their colors, and a brief description.
Navratri Dates and Devi Names
Day 1 (October 3, 2024):
Maa Shailputri
- Color: Yellow
- Details: Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, represents purity and devotion. This day is marked by Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), symbolizing the initiation of the festival.
Day 2 (October 4, 2024):
Maa Brahmacharini
- Color: Green
- Details: Goddess Brahmacharini embodies penance and dedication. She blesses devotees with emotional strength and the will to overcome hardships.
Day 3 (October 5, 2024):
Maa Chandraghanta
- Color: Grey
- Details: Chandraghanta is worshipped for peace and tranquility. The bell-shaped moon on her forehead signifies alertness and courage.
Day 4 (October 6, 2024):
Maa Kushmanda
- Color: Orange
- Details: Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, symbolizes light and energy. Worshipping her brings happiness and prosperity.
Day 5 (October 7, 2024):
Maa Skandamata
- Color: White
- Details: Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), is associated with the purity and nurturing power of motherhood.
Day 6 (October 8, 2024):
Maa Katyayani
- Color: Red
- Details: Katyayani is revered as the warrior goddess. Her fierce form is a symbol of courage and victory over evil.
Day 7 (October 9, 2024):
Maa Kalaratri
- Color: Royal Blue
- Details: Kalaratri is the most fearsome form of Durga. Her dark complexion represents the destruction of ignorance and the eradication of evil forces.
Day 8 (October 10, 2024):
Maa Mahagauri
- Color: Pink
- Details: Mahagauri symbolizes beauty, grace, and inner purity. She blesses devotees with wisdom and marital bliss.
Day 9 (October 11, 2024):
Maa Siddhidatri
- Color: Purple
- Details: Siddhidatri grants all supernatural and spiritual powers. She is the culmination of divine knowledge and achievements.
Day 10 (October 12, 2024):
Vijayadashami/Dussehra
- This day marks the end of Navratri, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, as well as Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana. No specific color is assigned to this day.
Shubh Muhurat Timings
Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Day 1):
From 6:23 AM to 10:18 AM on October 3.Vijay Muhurat (Day 10):
Between 2:03 PM and 2:49 PM on October 12.
These times are considered the most auspicious to perform Navratri rituals and start the festival with positivity and devotion(mPanchang)(India Today)(Republic World).
Symbolism of Colors
Wearing the prescribed colors during Navratri is considered auspicious and believed to attract the blessings of the respective Devi. The chosen colors are aligned with the qualities and energies represented by the deity of each day(Drik Panchang).
