Durga Puja 2023: What is the significance of Shardiya Navratri

The auspicious festival of Navratri is just around the corner, and devotees of Goddess Durga are preparing to celebrate the nine-day-long festivities with traditional fervour. The Navratri festival is also known as Sharadiya Navratri as it falls in Sharad Ritu, or the Autumn season, as per the Hindu calendar.

The upcoming Navratri festival will begin with the Pratipada Tithi and conclude with the Navami Tithi of Shukla Paksha. As per the Hindu calendar, or Panchang, the festival of Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated in the first nine days of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

During the nine-day festivities, devotees worship Goddess Durga and her nine incarnations, also known as the ‘Navadurga’. The festival of Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day, which is also known as Vijaya Dashami.

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Day 1: October 15 - Ghatasthapana (invocation of Goddess Shakti), Shailputri Puja

Day 2: October 16 - Brahmacharini Puja

Day 3: October 17 - Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja

Day 4: October 18 - Kushmanda Puja

Day 5: October 19 - Skandamata Puja

Day 6: October 20 - Katyayani Puja

Day 7: October 21 - Saraswati Puja, Kalratri Puja

Day 8: October 22 - Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja and Sandhi Puja

Day 9: October 23 - Maha Navami

Goddess Durga is an embodiment of divine power and she is worshipped as Goddess Shakti. She is known to be the one who destroys evil forces. Maa Durga possesses the combined powers of Gods and Goddesses. She came into existence to eliminate demon king Mahishasura.

She is known as ‘Mahishasuramardini’ as well. Goddess Durga won the battle against Mahishasura on the tenth day of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin Month and that’s why it is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami. She is seen sitting on a lion and holding various weapons in her hands. During the nine-day-long Navratri celebration, devotees worship Maa Durga’s nine forms.

According to other legends, it is also believed that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga for nine days before his battle with Ravana. Pleased with Lord Rama’s devotion, Maa Durga blessed him with victory. On the tenth day, Ram defeated Ravana and won the battle.