Sharad Navratri 2023: India, a country with many different cultures and traditions, is well renowned for its colourful festivals, which showcase its illustrious past and spiritual soul. Sharad Navratri is one of these celebrations that has unique significance. This nine-night festival honours Devi Durga, the goddess of divine feminine energy. We’ll explore the history, customs, and fervour with which Sharad Navratri 2023 is observed nationwide as we take you on a tour of this colourful and spiritually vital event.
Sharad Navratri’s Significance
Navratri, which translates to “nine nights,” is observed twice a year: during Chaitra Navratri in the spring and during Sharad Navratri in the autumn. The most well-known of the two, Sharad Navratri, is celebrated with great dedication and fervour in the month of Ashwin (September–October).
Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are just a few of the divine feminine’s many aspects that are worshipped during the festival. Every manifestation of the goddess stands for a distinct quality of life: Saraswati embodies knowledge and wisdom, Lakshmi represents riches and prosperity, and Durga represents courage and strength.
Ashadha Navratri 2023: Date, History, Significance, Rituals
Types of Navratri
The nine-day Navratri celebration, which is celebrated with great fervour and devotion, marks the return of Goddess Durga in her nine distinct forms. Every year, there are two different ways to commemorate Navratri:
1. Chaitra Navratri 2023: Vasant Navratri is another name for this Navratri season. Chaitra Navratri is observed between March and April during the spring season, according to the Hindu calendar.
2. Sharad Navratri 2023: This popular Navratri is observed between September and October during the lunar month of Ashwin.
3. Magha Navratri: This Navratri is observed in January and February, the Hindu month of Magha. Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami), which falls on the fifth day of this Navratri season, is a holiday. People worship the goddess Saraswati on this day in order to get her favours.
4. Ashadha Navratri: From June through July, the Hindu calendar’s Ashadha month is when this Navratri season is observed.
Sharad Navratri 2023 Dates
In 2023, Sharad Navratri will start on a day determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. It’s necessary to use a trustworthy Hindu calendar or speak with an astrologer to get the exact dates because lunar dates change every year. Typically, Sharad Navratri lasts nine nights and ten days, with Vijayadashami on the tenth day marking its conclusion.
- October 15, 2023: Worship of Goddess Shailputri
- October 16, 2023: Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini
- October 17, 2023: Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta
- October 18, 2023: Worship of Goddess Kushmanda
- October 19, 2023: Worship of Goddess Skandamata
- October 20, 2023: Worship of Goddess Katyayani
- October 21, 2023: Worship of Goddess Kalratri
- October 22, 2023: Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri
- October 23, 2023: Worship of Goddess Mahagauri
- October 24, 2023: Vijayadashami (Dussehra
Sharad Navratri 2023 Shubh Muhurat
Knowing the correct muhurat is essential for Navratri’s various religious rituals. For instance, ghatasthapana or kalashstaphana rituals are practised in various states. It’s important to conduct it at the right time of day since it ushers in Navratri.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat:
- Date: October 15, 2023
- Muhurat: 11:44 AM to 12:30 PM (Duration – 00 Hours 46 Mins)
Durga Ashtami:
Durga Ashtami is also one of the most important days of Navratri. For Durga Puja in Bengal, it is the eighth day of the festival.
- Date: October 22, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 09:53 PM on Oct 21, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 07:58 PM on Oct 22, 2023
Vijay Dashami Muhurat:
On Dussehra, Durga Visarjan is also performed. The Vijay Muhurat is considered auspicious for new beginnings and purchases.
- Date: Oct 24, 2023
- Vijay Muhurat: 02:26 PM to 03:14 PM
- Dashami Tithi Begins: 05:44 PM on Oct 23, 2023
- Dashami Tithi Ends: 03:14 PM on Oct 24, 2023
Rituals
- Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): Ghatasthapana, also known as Kalash Sthapana, is the first ritual of Sharad Navratri. Holy water is placed inside a Kalash (a metal or earthen jar), which is adorned with mango leaves and a coconut. It represents the goddess’ presence in the house.
- Durga Puja: Worship of Goddess Durga is the main focus of Sharad Navratri. During the intricate Durga Puja ritual, devotees invoke the goddess, make offerings of flowers, incense, and sweets, and recite mantras and sacred hymns.
- Fasting: For many devotees, fasting is an essential component of Navratri. They refrain from eating grains, meat, and a few other things. Fasting is viewed as a way to express devotion to the goddess while also cleaning the body and mind.
- Dandiya and Garba: The dances of Dandiya and Garba are quite popular during Navratri in Gujarat and many other regions of India. To commemorate the festival’s spirit, people dress in traditional costume, play upbeat music, and dance with colourful sticks (Dandiya) or in circles (Garba).
- Kanya Pujan: This girl-child worship is carried out on the eighth or ninth day of Navratri. Nine young girls are welcomed to homes and are given food, presents, and blessings as a representation of the nine manifestations of the goddess Durga.
- Sindoor Khela: Married women engage in Sindoor Khela on the final day, Vijayadashami. They daub vermilion on the goddess’s statue and on one another, signifying the joy of a successful marriage and the victory of good over evil.
The Legend Behind Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri is celebrated in remembrance of the legend of Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demonic Mahishasura. The strong demon Mahishasura terrorised the sky and the earth, according to Hindu mythology. The gods, unable to withstand his tyranny, created Goddess Durga, endowing her with supernatural abilities and weaponry.
Durga and Mahishasura engaged in a furious combat that lasted nine days and nights. The monster was vanquished by Durga on the tenth day, signifying the triumph of good over evil. This day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, commemorates Lord Rama’s triumphal return following his defeat of Ravana.
Sharad Navratri has significant spiritual importance and is more than just a sequence of rites and festivals. It is an opportunity for reflection, dedication, and reconnection with the power of the divine feminine. People who follow the goddess pray to her for health, wisdom, and wealth in their life. During Navratri, people fast and pray to purify their bodies and minds in order to achieve inner peace and spiritual growth.
Sharad Navratri 2023 will be a time of spiritual awakening and vivacious festivities that will unite communities and families in adoration of the divine feminine energy. People from all across India and the world assemble to worship Goddess Durga and her incarnations, and they also rejoice in the triumph of good over evil and the victory of light over darkness.
Sharad Navratri is an opportunity to embrace the spiritual essence of the holiday and seek the blessings of the gods, whether you choose to fast, dance, or simply say your prayers. I wish you happiness, tranquilly, and a closer relationship with the goddess who resides both inside and outside of you during this Navratri.
