Organizing for the festive season can be a puzzle, especially while juggling all major dates and their connotations. With October just around the corner, the anticipation for Navratri 2024 is rising, but individuals might be uncertain about its starting date or the specific color to wear each day.
Fortunately, we’ve got all your essential information in one place.
Navratri 2024 kicks off on October 3, projecting nine days of vibrant hues, rituals, and dances in honor of Goddess Durga. This festivity is a period of radiance and carries deep spiritual symbolism through each ritual performed and color adorned.
Our guide to the Navratri 2024 complete calendar will streamline your preparations by offering a comprehensive agenda with dates, significance, and colors. Eager for a stress-free festive season? Continue reading!
Navratri 2024 is more than a festival. It marks the battle between Durga Devi and evil forces, celebrating victory and goodness. This time also brings people together, honoring cultural and spiritual values through dance, prayer, and colors.
Each day has its own unique deity worship and rituals, making it a period of deep devotion across many communities.
Commemoration of Goddess Durga
In 2024, the Navratri festival is a unique occasion. It’s celebrated with profound affection for Goddess Durga throughout India. She embodies strength, battling against evil to safeguard her devotees.
During Navratri, the tale of Goddess Durga’s conquest over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura, is retold. It is a testament to the triumph of virtue over vice.
Images of Goddess Durga are lovingly placed in households and temples. Devotees offer prayers, melodiously chant hymns, and narrate her acts of courage. The festivities span nine days, during which individuals adorn themselves in diverse hues to pay tribute to the multifaceted Avatars of Goddess Durga, inclusive of Shailaputri and Mahagauri.
These Avatars showcase her extensive abilities and benevolence.
Victory of good over evil
Navratri signifies the triumph of good over evil. This profound concept is embodied in the tales of Durga Maa’s defeat of Mahishasur. The celebration of this victory is echoed worldwide, with individuals indulging in singing, dancing, and praying for a consecutive nine days.
The festival serves more than just a commemoration of historical battles. It instills hope and joy in millions. During Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami, individuals recall Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana as well.
Both these occurrences reiterate the enduring message that light always manages to penetrate darkness.
The Navratri 2024 calendar is full of colors and rituals, starting from October 3. Each day, people do special worship activities and wear different colors to show their respect for the goddess.
Day 1: October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
October 3, 2024, marks the start of Shardiya Navratri. This is a special time to honor Goddess Durga. On this day, people do Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja. They place a pot to start the festival and pray to Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga.
Everyone wears yellow clothes on this day. Yellow means happiness and energy. It’s a bright color that brings joy. This tradition adds more beauty to the celebration of good winning over evil during Navratri.
Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja
Ghatasthapana marks the start of Navratri. On this day, people worship Shailputri, who is known for her strength and wisdom. This celebration falls on October 3, 2024. Everyone picks yellow as the color for this day.
Yellow stands for joy and energy.
Folks set up a special jar to kick off the festival during Ghatasthapana. They fill it with holy water and soil, then plant barley seeds inside it. This act symbolizes growth and life.
Then they pray to Shailputri, asking her for blessings of power and knowledge to start Navratri right.
Color: Yellow
Yellow is the color for Day 1 of Navratri, on October 3, 2024. This bright color stands for joy and energy. People wear yellow to celebrate the start of this festival. They worship Shailputri, a form of Goddess Durga.
She shows strength and wisdom. This day marks a happy beginning to nine days of dance, prayer, and fasting.
On this first day, everyone gets ready for fun times ahead. Yellow clothes fill the streets as people come together to pray and enjoy. The color makes them feel lively and hopeful for what’s coming next in Navratri.
Day 2: October 4, 2024 (Friday)
On this day, people celebrate Chandra Darshana and worship Brahmacharini. They wear green clothes to show their spirit. This ritual marks the second phase of Navratri. It is about showing respect and asking for peace from the goddess.
Brahmacharini stands for purity and strict devotion. She guides followers on a path filled with calmness and purpose. People pray to her seeking strength in hard times. The color green symbolizes growth and new beginnings, fitting for prayers aimed at moving forward in life.
Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja
On October 4, 2024, people celebrate Chandra Darshana. It is a special day for seeing the moon. This day falls right after Ghatasthapana. Everyone prays to Brahmacharini on this day too.
She stands for love and peace.
The color green shines bright during Brahmacharini Puja. Green means growing and starting fresh. People wear green clothes as a sign of hope and new beginnings. It’s a way to show respect and connect with the goddess’s power.
Color: Green
The color green is for day 2 of Navratri, October 4, 2024. It stands for growth and new beginnings. On this day, people honor Goddess Brahmacharini. She shows us strength and determination.
Wearing green helps folks feel refreshed and connected to nature.
This color also brings thoughts of harmony and energy. Devotees believe that by wearing green, they draw in the goddess’s blessings for progress in life. It marks a time of hope during the nine days of worshiping mother Durga and her forms.
Day 3: October 5, 2024 (Saturday)
On October 5, 2024, people will celebrate Sindoor Tritiya. They will also honor Chandraghanta Maa. This day falls on a Saturday. Wear grey to show respect and join in the celebration.
This day marks a special moment in Navratri. Chandraghanta Maa gives strength and courage. She fights evil and brings peace. Grey reminds us of her power to destroy bad forces. People pray for protection and bravery on this third day of Navratri.
Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja
October 5, 2024, marks the third day of Navratri. People worship Goddess Chandraghanta on this day. She is known for her bravery and power. The color grey is special because it means balance and calmness.
Sindoor Tritiya is a ritual on this day too. It shows the strength of married women. They put sindoor (red powder) on each other and pray for their families’ happiness and health. This tradition brings them closer and fills their hearts with joy.
Color: Grey
Grey stands for balance and calm. On October 5, 2024, people will wear grey for Sindoor Tritiya and Chandraghanta Puja. This color helps us feel calm during the festival. Grey is important because it shows we want peace and harmony.
Wearing grey also means we look for a middle ground in life. It matches the spirit of Navratri, where good wins over evil. People think of grey as a cool color that brings them together during this special time.
Day 4: October 6, 2024 (Sunday)
On October 6, 2024, people celebrate Vinayaka Chaturthi and Kushmanda Puja. This day is special in Navratri. It shines with the color orange. Everyone wears orange clothes to show joy and energy.
The puja on this day honors Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kushmanda. She is one of Durga’s forms who brings light to darkness.
Prayers on this day help bring health and strength. Devotees offer sweets to Lord Ganesha for good luck. They also pray to Goddess Kushmanda for a bright life ahead. This celebration marks happiness in many homes across India.
People sing, dance, and share meals together as a big family.
Vinayaka Chaturthi, Kushmanda Puja
Day 4 of Navratri, October 6, 2024, celebrates two special events. It is Vinayaka Chaturthi and also the day for Kushmanda Puja. People pray to Lord Ganesha for his blessings on this day.
They believe he can remove obstacles from their lives. So, they start their worship with him before praying to Goddess Kushmanda.
Goddess Kushmanda is known as the creator of the universe. She brings light into darkness with her smile. Worshipers wear orange, which stands for warmth and energy. This color matches her bright and positive nature well.
On this day, people make offerings to Goddess Kushmanda, hoping for good health and strength.
Color: Orange
The color orange lights up Navratri on October 6, 2024. This bright color stands for joy and warmth. People wear orange to feel happy and warm inside. On this day, they do Vinayaka Chaturthi and Kushmanda Puja.
These pujas honor gods who bring good luck and health.
Orange also reminds us of the sun’s light and energy. It helps people think of strength and courage during Navratri. Wearing orange is a big part of celebrating this special time in October.
Day 5: October 7, 2024 (Monday)
On October 7, 2024, people will honor Skandmata. This day is part of Navratri, a big festival. People wear white on this day. It marks the fifth day of worship during Navratri.
Skandmata is known as Lord Skanda’s mother. Followers believe she brings peace and wisdom. They do special prayers on this day to show respect and ask for blessings.
Skandmata Puja
On October 7, 2024, people will honor Skandmata. She is the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Murugan. This day falls during Sharad Navratri. People see white as a sign of purity and innocence.
So they wear white on this day.
This puja brings peace and power to followers. Worshipping Skandmata helps people feel brave and pure. It’s a key part of celebrating the divine feminine power in October Navratri 2024.
Color: White
On October 7, 2024, people will celebrate Skandmata Puja. This is a special day for Hindus. People wear white clothes on this day. White stands for purity and innocence. It is an important color during Navratri.
Skandmata is the mother of Lord Skanda or Murugan. She gets worshiped for her pure form. On Panchami Tithi, everyone prays to her for blessings. Wearing white helps show respect and devotion to Skandamata.
Day 6: October 8, 2024 (Tuesday)
Day 6 is all about Katyayani Maa Puja. On this day, people wear red. Red stands for power and bravery. This color helps remind everyone of the strength and courage within them. It’s a special part of celebrating Navratri.
People pray to Goddess Katyayani on October 8. She is known for her might and grace. This day falls on Shashthi Tithi during Navratri. Praying to her brings joy and removes troubles from life.
Katyayani Maa Puja
On October 8, 2024, people celebrate Katyayani Maa Puja. This day is special in Navratri. Everyone wears red. Red stands for strength and life power. We worship Goddess Katyayani on this day.
She gives us courage.
This puja helps us feel brave and strong. People pray to Goddess Katyayani for help and protection. They want to win over bad things in life just like the goddess did long ago.
Color: Red
Day 6 of Navratri, October 8, brings the color red into focus. This day is all about showing strength and courage. People wear red to honor Goddess Katyayani. She is known for removing obstacles and giving people power.
Red stands for energy and bravery. On this special day, many pray to Goddess Katyayani to get her blessings for a strong will and victory in their lives. Everyone dresses in red, reflecting their inner strength and readiness to face life’s challenges with boldness.
Day 7: October 9, 2024 (Wednesday)
On October 9, 2024, people will honor Saraswati and Kaalratri. They pray for wisdom and protection. This day falls on Saptami of the lunar cycle. The color royal blue is important.
It stands for power and calmness.
People do two main pujas: Saraswati Avahan and Kaalratri Puja. Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge. People ask her to come into their lives. Kaalratri protects them from dark forces.
Everyone wears royal blue clothes to feel strong and peaceful.
Saraswati Avahan, Kaalratri Puja
On October 9, 2024, people celebrate Saraswati Avahan and Kaalratri Puja. This day is special because it honors Goddess Kaalratri, a fierce form of Durga. People see her as powerful and scary but also good.
She fights bad things in the world. The color royal blue is important this day. It stands for depth and calmness.
Goddess Saraswati also gets attention on this day. She is the deity of knowledge and learning. People pray to her for wisdom and skills in arts or studies. Both these rituals bring people together to ask for blessings and show their faith.
They wear royal blue clothes to match the spirit of the rituals.
Color: Royal Blue
Royal Blue is for Day 7 of Navratri, on October 9, 2024. This color stands for wealth and peace. It also shows the powerful but calm nature of Goddess Kaalratri. People wear royal blue to honor her strength and protection.
This color means a lot during Navratri. It reminds us that even in hard times, we can find calmness. Royal blue makes Day 7 special by bringing a sense of deep respect for the goddess’s power.
Day 8: October 10, 2024 (Thursday)
On October 10, 2024, we celebrate Mahagauri Puja. It is a special day in Navratri. People wear pink to show their respect and joy. This day honors Mahagauri, one of Durga’s forms. She symbolizes purity and forgiveness.
People pray for wisdom and protection from her. They do rituals that bring peace to their homes and hearts. On this day, families come together to share meals and stories of the goddess’s greatness.
Everyone feels happy and close to each other during these moments.
Mahagauri Puja
Mahagauri Puja falls on the eighth day of Navratri, October 10, 2024. People wear pink to show love and harmony. This day is special because we worship Mahagauri for purity. She is a form of Goddess Durga.
Many believe she brings peace and removes troubles from our lives.
On this day, followers do rituals to honor her. They pray and offer gifts, hoping for good luck and happiness. It’s a time of joy where everyone comes together to celebrate goodness and hope.
Color: Pink
On October 10, 2024, admirers will adorn themselves in pink for Mahagauri Puja. The hue symbolizes affection, concern, and harmonious interaction with others. Pink facilitates a benevolent environment between individuals, resonating strongly with Goddess Mahagauri, who exemplifies purity and attractiveness.
This specific day holds a significant place in Navratri as it fosters a sense of warmth and coziness among the participants.
The color pink further encourages tenderness and kindness towards ourselves and others throughout the festival. It shifts the attention to unity and ensures a sense of belonging in everyone involved in the festivities.
The selected color for Navratri does more than merely liven up the atmosphere, it extends a profound message of solidarity and fondness within communities partaking in this collective joy.
Day 9: October 11, 2024 (Friday)
Day 9 marks Durga Ashtami and Siddhidatri Puja, falling on October 11, 2024. This day is special in Navratri. People wear purple to honor the divine. They worship Goddess Siddhidatri for blessings and power.
She gives followers skills and wisdom.
This final day brings Navratri to its peak with rituals and joy. Families come together to pray and feast. The color purple symbolizes ambition and power, fitting for a day of spiritual heights and devotion.
Durga Ashtami, Siddhidatri Puja
October 11, 2024, marks Durga Ashtami. This day is special for many people. They honor Siddhidatri, a form of Goddess Parvati. She gives supernatural powers to her followers. People wear purple on this day.
Purple stands for luxury and spiritual strength.
On Durga Ashtami, followers do special prayers and offerings to Siddhidatri. They ask for her blessings. Temples are full of life with music, chants, and dances. It’s a day filled with devotion and joy across many places where Navratri is celebrated.
Color: Purple
Purple stands out on October 11, 2024. This color marks Durga Ashtami and Siddhidatri Puja. It shows luxury and nobility. People see it as a sign of deep spiritual strength and wealth.
On this day, many wear purple to honor the goddesses during Navratri.
This choice links to traditions in festivals like Navratri and Durgashtami. Purple brings thoughts of grandeur tied to Maa Durga’s power over evil forces. The use of this rich color helps connect followers with their spiritual goals, celebrating the victory that comes from true devotion.
Every Navratri 2024 day carries a distinct tale and vitality, mirrored in the goddess revered, unique customs followed, and lively hues exhibited. These facets are more than customs; they act as moments to recall valuable attributes like resilience, intellect, and innocence.
They help us recall age-old narratives about the tussle between positive and negative energies. The selected shade for every day corresponds with the attributes or abilities of the divinity respected on that day.
Goddess worshiped
Navratri is a special time to honor Goddess Durga and her nine forms. People celebrate each day by worshipping a different avatar of the goddess. The festival starts with Shailputri, known for her devotion to Lord Shiva.
Then comes Brahmacharini, who shows us the power of meditation and penance. Chandraghanta, celebrated on the third day, brings peace and courage.
Kushmanda is worshipped next for bringing light into darkness. Skandmata, the fifth form, represents motherhood. Katyayani, honored on the sixth day, fights against evil. Kaalratri shows her fierce side to protect followers from bad spirits on the seventh day.
Mahagauri cleanses sins on the eighth day. The festival ends with Siddhidatri, who gives blessings and knowledge.
Each goddess has her own story tied to fighting evil or showing strength in tough times. They remind us to be brave and kind every day of Navratri.
Rituals and offerings
Each day of Navratri has its own special rituals and things to give to the gods. People start with Ghatasthapana, putting a pot that marks the start of worship. They offer prayers and fast for the goddesses they honor each day.
From giving red flowers on some days to fruits on others, followers make sure their offerings match what is sacred to that day’s goddess.
Prayers include singing Durga Chalisa and Stotra, showing deep respect and asking for blessings. Fasting also plays a big part, with some choosing water fasts while others eat only once.
The aim is simple—showing devotion and seeking good luck from deities like Goddess Durga during these holy nine days.
Auspicious color and its significance
Colors play a big role in Navratri. They bring meaning to the ritual and show feelings like joy, growth, and strength. For example, yellow is for Day 1. It means joy and energy. People wear yellow to feel happy and full of life.
Green on Day 2 stands for new starts and growth. This color makes people think of fresh beginnings.
Each day has its own special color that helps focus on different qualities of the goddesses worshipped during Navratri. For instance, red on Day 6 shows vitality and power, just like Goddess Katyayani, who is known for her bravery.
Royal blue on Day 7 brings calmness but also speaks of richness in spirit. These colors are not just fun; they help devotees connect deeper with the divine qualities of Durga Maa during these nine sacred days.
Takeaways
October Navratri 2024 shines with nine days of colors and rituals. Each color tells a story, from yellow bringing joy to purple meaning strength. We learn about goddesses from Durga to Siddhidatri.
This festival teaches us about good winning over evil. Let’s keep this spirit alive in our hearts.
