Shardiya Navaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated across India to worship the nine forms of the Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess or Goddess Durga. This festival lasts nine nights and is believed to be very auspicious. Navratri 2023 date is 15th October and will end on 24th October. After nine days of Navratri 2023, the tenth day is called Vijaydashmi or Dussehra 2023. Some people also fast during Navratri and worship the goddess with all the rituals. People also celebrate it with dances like Dandiya Raas and Garba in traditional costumes. Check here all about Shardiya Navratri 2023 Puja Muhurat Timing, Vidhi, Rituals, history, significance and how to Celebrate.
Shardiya Navratri Muhurat and Tithi
Shardiya Navratri 2023 will start on 15th October 2023 and will end on 24th October 2023. The tenth day of Dussehra and Durga Puja will be celebrated on 24th October 2023. Shardiya Navratri 2023 Ghatasthapana/Kalashsthapana muhurat is from 11:44 a.m till 12:30 p.m. on 15th October 2023.
History and Significance of Shardiya Navratri
Navratri is a very auspicious festival for the Hindu religion across the globe. It is known as Shardiya Navratri because according to the Hindu calendar, it falls in the month of Ashwin. The Navratri meaning is really simple where Nav means nine and Ratri means night.
According to the legend, a demon named Mahishasura has many powers and a boon that no man can defeat him. He became egotistical and took over all the gods to make a way to heaven from hell. To defeat him, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva merged their energies to form the Goddess Durga. After the battle of 9 days, Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura.
Shardiya Navratri 2023 Calender with Navratri colours
Navratri is celebrated by worshipping the nine forms of the Goddess Durga. Each day represents a form of the goddess with different Navratri 2023 colours and rituals. Here is the information for all the Navratri days:
| Goddess Forms | Date | Navratri Colors 2023 | Other Names | Importance |
| 1st Form- Shailputri | 15th October | Orange | Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati | Believed to be the provider of fortune and prosperity |
| 2nd Form- Brahmacharini | 16th October | White | Tapascharini, Aparna and Uma | This goddess signifies loyalty, love, knowledge and wisdom |
| 3rd Form- Chandraghanta | 17th October | Red | Chandrakhanda, Chandika, and Rannchandi | Associated with happiness, prosperity and good health |
| 4th Form- Kushmanda | 18th October | Royal Blue | Ashtabhuja Devi | She is believed to improve health, wealth, and strength |
| 5th Form- Skandamata | 19th October | Yellow | Padmasana | She awards salvation, power, prosperity, and treasures to the devotees |
| 6th Form- Katyayani | 20th October | Green | Adi Parashakti | She signifies intelligence and peace |
| 7th Form- Kalaratri | 21st October | Grey | Shubhankari | She removes darkness and brings harmony to life |
| 8th Form- Mahagauri | 22nd October | Purple | Vrisharudha | She represents the purity and inner beauty of every living being |
| 9th Form- Siddhidatri | 23rd October | Peacock Green | Ardhanarishwar | She motivates people towards a disciplined and spiritual life |
| Dussehra and Durga Puja | 24th October | Any colour except black | Vijayadashmi, Maha Puja, Dasara | Represents the victory of good over evil |
Types of Navratri
There are four types of Navratri to be celebrated throughout the year:
- Chaitra Navaratri 2023 (March-April): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra which is associated with the creation of the universe and the beginning of the Hindu calendar.
- Ashadha Navaratri 2023 (June-July): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashadha which is associated with the Goddess Gayatri and her five faces, which represent the five elements of nature.
- Sharad Navaratri 2023 (September-October): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Ashwin which is associated with the victory of the Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.
- Paush Navaratri 2023 (December-January): It is celebrated during the Hindu month of Paush which is associated with the goddess Annapurna and the worship of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
How to Celebrate Shardiya Navratri 2023
Shardiya Navratri is celebrated for nine days related to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. People celebrate this festival with extreme fervour and enthusiasm and greet each other with Navratri wishes like Happy Navratri or Jai Mata Ki. These are some ways to celebrate Navratri:
- Worshipping the Goddess: People worship nine forms of the Goddess Durga for nine days with all the rituals. The nine forms of Goddess Durga are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri.
- Fasting: Some people fast during the Navratri to worship the goddess. It also helps in detoxifying the body and it represents the devotion of one towards the god. It is advised to meditate during Navratri fasting for internal happiness.
- Garba and Dandiya Raas: The major highlight for Navratri are the traditional dances- Garba and Dandiyaa Raas. People wear traditional attires like Navratri Chaniya Choli and Ghagra to the dance and gather in huge pandals or grounds for the dance and other festivities.
- Food and Gifts: There are a wide variety of cuisines prepared during Navratri and it is strictly vegetarian. People who are fasting even use rock salt instead of regular salt in their food items. The exchanging of gifts is very common as well during Navratri.
Shardiya Navratri 2023 Celebrations across India
Navratri is celebrated with a whole lot of joy across the country. People enjoy this 9-day festival with a huge enthusiasm for prayers, dances, food, and other festivities.
Major Places to Observe Shardiya Navratri
Shardiya Navaratri is celebrated across India but there are cities where it is celebrated with special enthusiasm.
1. Gujarat
One of the most famous destinations to celebrate Navratri in the country is Gujarat. During Navratri, the whole state celebrates with great enthusiasm and traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas.
- Famous Places: Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Ahmedabad
2. Mumbai
The city hosts numerous events for Navratri Garba Nights and Dandiya competitions for which people start preparing in advance. Navratri brings Mumbai city to life with people celebrating by wearing traditional attires with Navratri jewellery and singing prayers to the goddess.
- Famous Places: Navratri Utsav With Falguni Pathak, Korakendra Navratri Naidu Club, Sahara Star’s Radiance Dandiya
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Mumbai
3. Kolkata
Navratri is observed as Durga Puja in Kolkata and is one of the prominent festivals to be celebrated in the City of Joy. People worship the huge idols of the goddess in the massive pandals with all the rituals.
- Famous Places: Santosh Mitra Square, Bagbazar, College Square, Hindustan Park, Samaj Sebi Sangha
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Kolkata
4. Delhi
People celebrate Navratri with high spirits in the capital city, Delhi. Clubs and societies organize huge events for Garba and Dandiya nights. People from all cultures come together to celebrate and enjoy the festivities in their Navratri outfits. Navratri decorations are done in the Pandaals to welcome the goddess.
- Famous Places: Jhandewalan Temple, Kalkaji Temple, CK Park Kali Bari, Minto Road Puja Samiti
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Delhi
5. Varanasi
Navratri festival is celebrated with great zeal in Varanasi, with the dances on ghats and illuminated lamps flowing in the river. The temples are decorated with flowers and lights making it a perfect place during Navratri.
- Famous Places: Machodari Pandal, Hathua Market Pandal, Shivpur Pur Pandal, Sanatan Dharm Pandal
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Varanasi
Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
| Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year | Sunday | 1 January | Public |
| Lohri | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
| Makar Sankranti | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
| Pongal | Sunday | 15 January | Restricted |
| Basant Panchmi | Thursday | 26 January | Restricted |
| Republic Day | Thursday | 26 January | Public |
| Guru Ravidass Jayanti | Sunday | 5 February | Restricted |
| Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wednesday | 15 February | Restricted |
| Mahashivratri | Saturday | 18 February | Restricted |
| Losar | Tuesday | 21 February | Restricted |
| Holi | Wednesday | 8 March | Public |
| Ram Navami | Thursday | 30 March | Restricted |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Tuesday | 4 April | Restricted |
| Good Friday | Friday | 7 April | Public |
| Easter | Sunday | 9 April | Restricted |
| Vaisakhi | Friday | 14 April | Restricted |
| Eid Ul Fitr | Saturday | 22 April | Public |
| Buddha Purnima | Friday | 5 May | Public |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Tuesday | 9 May | Restricted |
| Rath Yatra | Tuesday | 20 June | Restricted |
| Eid Al Adha | Thursday | 29 June | Restricted |
| Muharram | Saturday | 29 July | Public |
| Independence Day | Tuesday | 15 August | Public |
| Parsi New Year Navroz | Wednesday | 16 August | Restricted |
| Onam | Tuesday | 29 August | Restricted |
| Raksha Bandhan | Wednesday | 30 August | Restricted |
| Janmashtami | Thursday | 7 September | Restricted |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Tuesday | 19 September | Restricted |
| Id E Milad | Thursday | 28 September | Public |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Monday | 2 October | Public |
| Shardiya Navratri | Sunday | 15 October | No Holiday |
| Durga Puja | Friday | 20 October | No Holiday |
| Dussehra | Tuesday | 24 October | Public |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Saturday | 28 October | Restricted |
| Halloween Day | Tuesday | 31 October | No Holiday |
| Karva Chauth | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Kerala Piravi | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Ahoi Ashtami | Sunday | 5 November | No Holiday |
| Dhanteras | Saturday | 11 November | No Holiday |
| Diwali | Sunday | 12 November | Public |
| Kali Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
| Lakshmi Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday | 13 November | Public |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday | 14 November | Restricted |
| Chhath Puja | Sunday | 19 November | Restricted |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Monday | 27 November | Public |
| Kartik Purnima | Monday | 27 November | No Holiday |
| Christmas | Monday | 25 December | Public |
FAQ on Shardiya Navratri 2023
Q. Is there any holiday on Shardiya Navratri in banks, stock markets, schools, etc.?
A. No, there is no public holiday on Shardiya Navratri but it is an optional holiday for institutions. Generally, there are no holidays for Shardiya Navratri in banks, stock markets, schools, etc.
Q. When does Navratri start in 2023?
A. Navratri 2023 start date is 15th October and it will end on 24th October.
Q. When is Durga Puja and Dussehra 2023?
A. In 2023, Durga Puja and Dussehra will be celebrated on 24th October, Tuesday.
Q. What is the ride of Mata this Navratri 2023 October?
A. In 2023, Maa Durga’s ride, or Sawaari will be an elephant instead of a lion. According to Hindu scriptures, if Goddess Durga arrives on Monday or Sunday during the Shubh Navratri then it is believed that she comes on an elephant.
Q. How many times does Navratri come in a year?
A. Navratri comes four times a year- Chaitra Navratri, Ashadha Navratri, Shardiya Navratri, and Paush Navratri.
Q. What is the difference between Durga Puja and Dussehra?
A. In Durga Puja, we celebrate and worship Goddess Durga and her nine forms. In Dussehra, we celebrate the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana.
Q. Why is Dussehra celebrated for 10 days?
A. According to the legends, the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana lasted for 10 days, and on the tenth day, Ravana was killed.
Q. Can we eat non-veg on the 9th of Navratri?
A. The food in Navratri is strictly vegetarian till the last/10th day. You can eat it after Dussehra/Durga Puja/10th day.
