Navratri is a time of immense spiritual significance in India, observed through nine days of devotion, fasting, and rituals. In 2024, Navratri will be celebrated with even more grandeur as it marks the arrival of Maa Durga in her various forms. Each day is dedicated to a particular goddess, with a specific color, mantra, and fasting practice. This blog provides a comprehensive guide for devotees by providing various aspects of Navratri- colors, rituals, and mantras for each day and Navratri fasting.
Ghatasthapana
October 3, 2024, Thursday
Ghatasthapana Muhurat – 06:09 AM to 07:08 AM
Or
Ghatasthapana – 11:44 AM to 12:32 PM
Navratri 2024: A Time of Celebration and Devotion
Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is one of the most revered festivals in India, dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, Goddess Durga. Celebrated twice a year, with the more prominent one occurring in the fall, Navratri 2024 will start on October 3 and culminate on October 11. In 2024, Navratri promises to be a spiritually uplifting experience, filled with vibrant rituals, fasting, cultural performances, and prayers that symbolize the victory of good over evil. Each day is dedicated to a different manifestation of the goddess, each bringing unique blessings, colors, and significance.
Dates for Navratri 2024
Start Date: October 3, 2024
End Date: October 11, 2024
Duration: 9 Days
Navratri follows the lunar calendar, and these dates may vary slightly across regions.
The Significance & Rituals for Each Day of Navratri
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and devotees worship her with full devotion.
Navratri 2024 Day 1( Pratipada) – Maa Shailputri
Purity, Strength & Courage
Born as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, she is worshipped as Brahmacharini in her unmarried form. To win the love of Lord Shiva, she undertook severe penance for thousands of years, even giving up food entirely. After ceasing to eat Bilva leaves, she came to be known as Aparna. It is believed that she self-immolated to be reborn into a family where she would be honored. Maa Brahmacharini symbolizes devotion and penance, representing austerity and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Mantra to chant for Shailaputri Devi
Mantra 1
Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam।
Vrisharudham Shuladharam Shailaputrim Yashasvinim॥
Chant this mantra as many times as you can on Day 1 of Navratri
Date: October 3, 2024
What Color clothes to wear : Yellow – Symbolizes joy and cheerfulness.
What to Offer: Ghee
Which Flowers to offer: Jasmine / Hibiscus
Navratri 2024 Day 2(Dwitiya): Maa Brahmacharini
Success, Knowledge and Wisdom
Born as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, she is worshipped as Brahmacharini in her unmarried form. To win the love of Lord Shiva, she undertook severe penance for thousands of years, even giving up food entirely. After ceasing to eat Bilva leaves, she came to be known as Aparna. It is believed that she self-immolated to be reborn into a family where she would be honored. Maa Brahmacharini symbolizes devotion and penance, representing austerity and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Mantra to chant for Devi Brahmacharini
Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu।
Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama॥
Chant this mantra as many times as you can on Day 2 of Navratri
Date: October 4, 2024
Which Color to wear: Green
What to Offer: Sugar
Flower to offer: Jasmine
Navratri 2024 Day 3( Tritiya): Maa Chandraghanta
Peace and Protection from evil
The third day of Navratri is devoted to Goddess Chandraghanta, a fierce form of Goddess Durga. She is named after the bell-shaped half-moon (Chandra Ghanta) on her forehead. She rides a tigress and embodies beauty, bliss, and peace while being prepared for battle. Goddess Chandraghanta has ten arms: her four left hands hold a trishul, gada, sword, and kamandal, while the fifth is in Varada Mudra (gesture of granting boons). Her four right hands carry a lotus, arrow, bow, and Japa Mala, with the fifth hand in Abhaya Mudra (gesture of protection). It is believed that the sound of the moon-bell on her forehead wards off negative spirits, protecting her devotees.
Mantras to chant for Devi Chandraghanta
Mantra 1
Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Pindaja Pravararudha Chandakopastrakairyuta।
Prasadam Tanute Mahyam Chandraghanteti Vishruta॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 3 of Navratri
Date: October 5, 2024
Which Color clothes to wear: Grey
What to offer: Kheer
Which Flowers to offer: Lotus/Jasmine
Navratri 2024 Day 4(Chaturthi): Maa Kushmanda
Energy, Creativity and Vitality
On the fourth day of Navratri, devotees honor Goddess Kushmanda, a form of Goddess Durga. Also known as Adishakti, Adiswarup, and Ashtabhuja Devi, she is believed to have created the universe with her radiant smile. The worship on this day starts by honoring the Kalash and Lord Ganesha, followed by rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. As the creator of the universe, she symbolizes life, energy and vitality.
Date: October 6, 2024
Which Color clothes to wear: Orange
What to Offer: Malpua
Which Flowers to offer: Jasmine/Red flowers
Mantra to chant for Devi Kushmanda
Mantra 1
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Surasampurna Kalasham Rudhiraplutameva Cha।
Dadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhadastu Me॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 4 of Navratri
Navratri 2024 Day 5(Panchami): Maa Skandamata
Nurturing & Protection
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Skandmata, the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the celestial armies. She is also known by names such as Mata Gauri, Uma, Parvati, Padamasana Devi, and Maheswari. Her name Skandmata signifies her role as the mother of Skanda. She is called Mata Gauri for her fair complexion, and Padamasana Devi as she is depicted seated on a lotus. As the consort of Lord Shiva, she is also revered as Maheswari. Her blessings bring wisdom, prosperity, and peace.
Date: October 7, 2024
Which Color clothes to wear: White
What to Offer: Banana
Which Flowers to offer: Lotus/Rose
Mantra to chant for Devi Skandamata
Mantra 1
Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Simhasanagata Nityam Padmanchita Karadvaya।
Shubhadastu Sada Devi Skandamata Yashasvini॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 5 of Navratri
Navratri 2024 Day 6(Shashthi): Maa Katyayani
Strength, Righteousness & Destroys evil
Goddess Katyayani is worshiped on the sixth day of Navratri. According to Hindu mythology, Sage Katyayana performed intense penance for the goddess to be born as his daughter, and his wish was granted on Dakshin Krishna Chaturdashi. Devi Katyayani led the divine forces against demons, defeating the demon Mahishasura and liberating the gods from his tyranny. She represents both fierce strength and maternal compassion, protecting her devotees and fulfilling their sincere wishes.
Date: October 8, 2024
Which Color clothes to wear: Red
What to Offer: Honey
Which Flowers to offer: Rose
Mantra to chant for Devi Katyayani
Mantra 1
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana।
Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 6 of Navratri
Navratri 2024 Day 7(Saptami): Maa Kalaratri
Destruction of Evil & Fearlessness
On the seventh day, Goddess Kalratri is worshiped. Known as the fiercest form of Durga, she is also called Shubankari, as she dispels all fears and protects from evil forces. Her dark complexion and powerful appearance symbolize the destruction of ignorance and darkness. She blesses her devotees with courage and protection from harm.
Date: October 9, 2024
Color: Royal Blue
Which Color clothes to wear: Royal Blue
What to Offer: Jaggery
Which Flowers to offer: Jasmine
Mantra to chant for Devi Kalaratri
Mantra 1
Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthita।
Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini॥
Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana।
Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 7 of Navratri
Navratri 2024 Day 8(Ashtami): Maa Mahagauri
Purity, Compassion and Universal Love
The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri, the embodiment of purity and tranquility. Her name combines “Maha,” meaning great, and “Gauri,” signifying her fair complexion, which is compared to the moon or snow. She is also called Shwetambardhara, wearing white clothes, and Vrisharudha, depicted riding a bull. Mahagauri blesses her devotees with inner peace and the removal of sins, leading them toward spiritual advancement.
Date: October 10, 2024
Color: Pink
Which Color clothes to wear: Pink
What to Offer: Coconut
Which Flowers to offer: Jasmine
Mantra to chant for Devi Maha Gauri
Mantra 1
Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Shwete Vrishesamarudha Shwetambaradhara Shuchih।
Mahagauri Shubham Dadyanmahadeva Pramodada॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 8 of Navratri
Navratri 2024 Day 9(Navami): Maa Siddhidatri
Knowledge, Spiritual awakening and Ambition
On the ninth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Siddhidatri, the granter of Siddhis (spiritual powers). She is revered for bestowing eight types of Siddhis—Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitwa, and Vashitva. Known for her divine blessings of wisdom, prosperity, and happiness, Maa Siddhidatri is worshiped by celestial beings and mortals alike. She represents the culmination of the Navratri festival, granting divine powers and fulfillment to her sincere devotees.
Date: October 11, 2024
Which Color clothes to wear: Purple
What to Offer: Sesame seeds
Which Flowers to offer: Champa
Mantra to chant for Devi Siddhidatri
Mantra 1
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah॥
Mantra 2
Siddha Gandharva Yakshadyairasurairamarairapi।
Sevyamana Sada Bhuyat Siddhida Siddhidayini॥
Chant these mantra as many times as you can on Day 9 of Navratri
This guide to each day of Navratri 2024 will help you celebrate the festival with devotion, following the colors, mantras, and rituals for each goddess.
Navratri Fasting: Rules & Foods to Eat
Navratri fasting is not just a spiritual practice but also a way to detoxify the body. The fasting rules are simple yet strict. You are required to abstain from grains, alcohol, and nonvegetarian foods. Only sattvic foods like fruits, milk, and nuts are allowed.
Navratri Fasting Rules
Avoid onions, garlic, and regular salt.
Only eat once or twice a day, depending on your stamina.
Focus on light, sattvic meals.
Foods to Eat During Navratri Fasting
Sabudana (tapioca) – A popular choice for fasting.
Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) – Used to make puris and rotis.
Samak rice – A glutenfree alternative to regular rice.
Fruits and dairy products – Essential for maintaining energy levels.
Happy Navratri!!
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