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| **When is Shardiya Navratri 2023** | |
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| **Date, Auspicious Timing, and Guidelines** | |
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| Shardiya Navratri, a significant annual Hindu celebration dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga, who embodies the supreme goddess Adi Parashakti, is fast approaching. This Navratri, occurring during the autumn season (Sharada), is one of the most pivotal festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrated with great enthusiasm and diverse customs throughout the nation. The culmination of the nine auspicious days is marked by Durga Puja and Dusshera, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. | |
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| **When does Shardiya Navratri Commence?** | |
| The commencement of Shardiya Navaratri takes place on the first day (pratipada) of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Ashvini. This celebration spans nine nights and usually falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. In 2023, Shardiya Navratri begins on October 15th and concludes with Dusshera on October 24th. | |
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| **Puja Timing and Other Pertinent Information** | |
| Ghatasthapana, a significant ritual, marks the initiation of the nine-day Navratri festival, symbolizing the invocation of Goddess Shakti. The most auspicious timing for Ghatasthapana is during the first one-third of Navratri Day 1 (Pratipada). Conversely, Chitra Nakshatra is considered an inauspicious period for Ghatsthapana. | |
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| **Date:** | October 15, 2023 |
| **Day:** | Sunday |
| **Pratipada Tithi Begins:** | 11:24 PM on October 14, 2023 |
| **Pratipada Tithi Ends:** | 12:32 AM on October 16, 2023 |
| **Chitra Nakshatra Begins:** | 04:24 PM on October 14, 2023 |
| **Chitra Nakshatra Ends:** | 06:13 PM on October 15, 2023 |
| **Source:** | Drikpanchang |
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| **Shardiya Navratri 9-Day Festival Itinerary** | |
| The term “Navaratri” in Sanskrit translates to “nine nights,” with ‘nava’ signifying “nine” and ‘ratri’ meaning “nights.” This festival holds significant religious and cultural importance and is celebrated worldwide. The table below provides a comprehensive schedule for the nine-day Shardiya Navratri in 2023: | |
| **Date:** | October 15 |
| **Day:** | Sunday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 1 (Pratipada) |
| **Event:** | Ghatasthapana |
| **Event:** | Shailputri Puja |
| **Date:** | October 16 |
| **Day:** | Monday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 2 (Dwitiya) |
| **Event:** | Chandra Darshana |
| **Event:** | Brahmacharini Puja |
| **Date:** | October 17 |
| **Day:** | Tuesday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 3 (Tritiya) |
| **Event:** | Sindoor Tritiya |
| **Event:** | Chandraghanta Puja |
| **Date:** | October 18 |
| **Day:** | Wednesday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 4 (Chaturthi)|
| **Event:** | Kushmanda Puja |
| **Event:** | Vinayaka Chaturthi |
| **Date:** | October 19 |
| **Day:** | Thursday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 5 (Panchami) |
| **Event:** | Upang Lalita Vrat |
| **Event:** | Skandamata Puja |
| **Date:** | October 20 |
| **Day:** | Friday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 6 (Shashthi) |
| **Event:** | Saraswati Avahan |
| **Event:** | Katyayani Puja |
| **Date:** | October 21 |
| **Day:** | Saturday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 7 (Saptami) |
| **Event:** | Saraswati Puja |
| **Event:** | Kalaratri Puja |
| **Date:** | October 22 |
| **Day:** | Sunday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 8 (Ashtami) |
| **Event:** | Durga Ashtami |
| **Event:** | Mahagauri Puja |
| **Event:** | Sandhi Puja |
| **Date:** | October 23 |
| **Day:** | Monday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 9 (Navami) |
| **Event:** | Maha Navami |
| **Event:** | Ayudha Puja |
| **Event:** | Navami Homa |
| **Date:** | October 24 |
| **Day:** | Tuesday |
| **Event:** | Navratri Day 10 (Dashami) |
| **Event:** | Navratri Parana |
| **Event:** | Durga Visarjan |
| **Event:** | Vijayadashami |
| **Source:** | DrikPanchang |
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| **Shardiya Navratri’s Religious and Cultural Significance** | |
| Shardiya Navratri is a prominent Hindu festival celebrated by the Indian diaspora residing overseas. It carries immense religious, cultural, and social importance. On a religious level, Navratri is a time for prayer, fasting, and spiritual contemplation, signifying devotion to and worship of various manifestations of Durga, including Kali and Lakshmi. | |
| Families and friends, dressed in traditional and ethnic attire, come together to enjoy festive cuisine, fostering unity among people from diverse backgrounds. The celebration often features traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, promoting cultural preservation and a sense of togetherness. | |
| **Do’s & Don’ts for Shardiya Navratri 2023** | |
| The nine days of Shardiya Navratri come with several important do’s and don’ts that help devotees maintain a strong connection with devotion
and purity. However, it’s important to note that practices may vary among different regions and communities. | |
| **Do’s:** | |
| – Engage in daily prayers. | |
| – Maintain cleanliness and hygiene. | |
| – Offer flowers, sweets, and fruits to the goddess. | |
| – Visit temples and make charitable contributions. | |
| – Meditate to connect with the divine and reflect on life’s direction. | |
| – Stay focused and maintain a positive attitude. | |
| **Don’ts:** | |
| – Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food. | |
| – Abstain from alcohol and tobacco products. | |
| – Refrain from negative thoughts and speech; focus on positivity and harmony. | |
| – Practice truthfulness and honesty in actions and words. | |
| – Steer clear of superstitions. | |
| **In conclusion, Shardiya Navratri is a multifaceted celebration that combines religious devotion, artistic expression, and social unity, making it a cherished and significant occasion. This year, it is believed that Maa Durga will arrive on Earth riding an elephant instead of a lion. According to mythology, when Navratri commences on a Sunday or Monday, it is considered highly auspicious for Goddess Durga to ride an elephant, symbolizing abundant rainfall and a promising harvest in the following year** | |
