Sharad Navratri 2023 Dates, Significance, Rituals and Pooja Muhurat

India, a country with many different cultures and traditions, is famous for its lively festivals that show its rich history and deep spirituality. One of these festivals is Sharad Navratri, which is celebrated for nine nights and is all about worshiping the powerful feminine energy, Devi Durga.In this article, we will guide you about the exciting and spiritually important festival of Sharad Navratri 2023. We'll explore its history, customs, and the enthusiasm with which people all over the country celebrate it.

The Significance of Sharad Navratri:

Navratri, which means "Nine nights," is a festival celebrated twice a year. It happens once in the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in the autumn (Sharad Navratri). Sharad Navratri, the more popular one, usually takes place in September or October. People celebrate it with a lot of devotion and excitement.

This festival is all about worshiping different forms of the divine feminine. These forms include Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Each form of the goddess represents something special in life. Durga stands for strength and bravery, Lakshmi stands for wealth and prosperity, and Saraswati represents knowledge and wisdom.

Sharad Navratri 2023 Dates:

The festival of Sharad Navratri in 2023 will begin on a specific date determined by the Hindu lunar calendar. Because the lunar calendar changes every year, it's a good idea to check a trusted Hindu calendar or ask an astrologer for the exact dates. In 2023, Navratri will begin on Thursday, October 15th, and finish on Friday, October 24th. In simple terms, Sharad Navratri lasts for nine nights and ten days and ends with Vijayadashami, which is the tenth day of the festival.

Sharad Navratri 2023 Puja Muhurat

Many different types of puja are performed during Navratri, so let us see which type of puja is performed during Navratri. If you want to book any type of puja online at your home then you can book your puja at home through our online book puja service.

Here are the puja dates of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses in October 2023.

Date	Goddess Worshiped
October 15, 2023	Shailputri Pooja
October 16, 2023	Brahmacharini Pooja
October 17, 2023	Chandraghanta Pooja
October 18, 2023	Kushmanda Pooja
October 19, 2023	Skandamata Pooja
October 20, 2023	Katyayani Pooja
October 21, 2023	Kalratri Pooja
October 22, 2023	Mahagauri Pooja
October 23, 2023	Siddhidatri Pooja
October 24, 2023	Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Also Read: Diwali 2023 Date, Time, Significance Of Celebration in Different Religions & More

The Rituals and Celebrations in Navratri:

1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana):

At the start of Navratri, a special pot called a Kalash is filled with holy water. It's adorned with mango leaves and a coconut. This represents welcoming the goddess into the home.

2. Durga Puja:

The main focus during Sharad Navratri is worshiping Goddess Durga. Devotees perform a special prayer known as Durga Puja. They invoke the goddess, offer flowers, incense, sweets, and chant sacred hymns.

3. Fasting:

Many people fast during Navratri. They avoid eating grains, non-vegetarian food, and certain items. Fasting is a way to purify the body and mind and express devotion to the goddess.

4. Dandiya and Garba:

In regions like Gujarat and other parts of India, people love to dance during Navratri. They wear traditional attire, dance to lively music, and use colorful sticks (Dandiya) or dance in circles (Garba) to celebrate.

5. Kanya Pujan:

On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, a ceremony called Kanya Pujan is performed. Nine young girls, symbolizing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, are invited to homes. They are offered food, gifts, and blessings.

6. Sindoor Khela:

On the last day, Vijayadashami, married women take part in Sindoor Khela. They apply vermilion (red powder) to the goddess's idol and to each other. This symbolizes celebrating marital happiness and the victory of good over evil.

7. Visiting Temples:

During Navratri, worshipers visit temples that are dedicated to Goddess Durga and other deities. Many temples host grand celebrations, including processions, cultural performances, and devotional songs (bhajans).

The Story Behind Sharad Navratri:

The story of Sharad Navratri is about Goddess Durga beating the demon Mahishasura. In Hindu tales, Mahishasura was a strong demon who caused a lot of trouble in heaven and on Earth. Since the gods couldn't handle his bad behavior, they made Goddess Durga. She got special weapons and powers.

Durga and Mahishasura had a big, fierce fight that lasted nine days and nights. On the tenth day, Durga won and that shows that good is stronger than bad. People call this day Vijayadashami or Dussehra. It reminds us of Lord Rama coming back after he defeated Ravana.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Sharad Navratri 2023 is a very important festival for Hindus. During this festival, people pray, fast, and celebrate the Goddess Durga. The festival lasts for nine days, and each day is dedicated to a different aspect or form of the Goddess.People perform special rituals and follow traditions during these days. Knowing the best times for prayers and rituals, called Pooja Muhurat, is important. If you have any questions or worries about Sharad Navratri 2023, it's a good idea to talk to our experienced astrologer for more guidance.