Nagpur, India: Shardiya Navratri, one of the most revered Hindu festivals, will be celebrated across India from October 3 to October 12, 2024. This nine-day event is dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga and holds immense spiritual significance. Shardiya Navratri, which falls in the lunar month of Ashwin, is the most important of the four Navratris observed annually. The other Navratris include Magha (winter), Chaitra (spring), and Ashadha (monsoon).

This year’s celebrations will commence with Ghatasthapana on October 3, from 6:30 AM to 7:31 AM, followed by Shailputri Puja. The auspicious Abhijit Muhurat will occur between 12:03 PM and 12:51 PM on the same day. Devotees will observe fasts, perform religious rituals such as kanya puja and havan, and participate in night vigils throughout the festival.

Shardiya Navratri is deeply rooted in the legend of Goddess Durga's battle against the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival concludes with Dussehra, celebrated on the tenth day, which also marks Lord Rama's victory over Ravana and the successful rescue of Goddess Sita.

During the sacred period of Navratri, there are certain niyam that devotees are encouraged to follow to honor the Goddess Durga and ensure spiritual purity. It is advised that individuals refrain from lying or getting angry during these nine days. Additionally, respect towards women and girls should be maintained, and no form of insult or mistreatment should occur.

Even if one is not fasting, consuming tamasik (non-vegetarian or overly spicy) food is discouraged. The tradition suggests eating only once a day to maintain simplicity and discipline. Devotees observe various forms of fasting during Navratri, including Rasopvas (liquid fasting), Phalopvas (fruit fasting), Dudhopvas (milk fasting), Laghu Upvas (light fasting), Adhopas, and Purna Upvas (complete fasting).

Certain activities, such as traveling, engaging in sexual intercourse, inappropriate conversations, or using abusive language, are also avoided during this period. It is advised that women should not fast while menstruating.

Devotees are encouraged to worship Mata Ji (Goddess Durga) with devotion and seek her blessings. In Adhopavaas, a specific type of fasting, only one meal is consumed per day, and vegetables like gourd are avoided. On any chosen day during Navratri, one can perform Udyapan, a ritual to formally conclude the fast and seek divine blessings.

As devotees across the nation celebrate, the festival is a reminder of the power of righteousness and the blessings of the Goddess.