The festival of worship of Goddess Durga, known as Sharadiya Navratri, will begin on October 11th on Sunday and conclude on October 20th on Tuesday, the day of Vijayadashami.
According to special religious beliefs, astrological calculations, and Panchang, this year Goddess Durga is expected to arrive on an elephant. In traditional beliefs, the goddess's arrival on an elephant is considered extremely auspicious, as it heralds good rain, progress in agriculture, happiness, prosperity, peace, and stability. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that these predictions related to the goddess's ride are based on religious beliefs and traditional astrological calculations.
Pandit Shripati Tripathi provides information regarding the start of Sharadiya Navratri, the auspicious time for installing the kalash, the main days of the festival, and the mode of transport on which the goddess will arrive this time.
Navratri Begins on October 11th
Sharadiya Navratri will commence on October 11th on Sunday. This day will mark Ashvin Shukla Paksha Pratipada. Rituals for installing the kalash will be performed, and worship will be offered to the first form of Goddess Durga, Shailputri.
On the first day of Navratri, the kalash is installed at home, and the worship of the Goddess begins. Over nine days, devotees worship various forms of the Mother, observing fasts, chanting hymns, reading sacred texts, and engaging in spiritual practices according to their faith and capabilities.
Auspicious Time for Installing the Kalash
According to the Panchang, Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhruti Yoga will be present on October 11th. The Abhijit Muhurta is particularly significant for installing the kalash. On this day, the Abhijit Muhurta will be from 11:36 AM to 12:24 PM. It is considered auspicious to install the kalash during this time.
However, due to differences in sunrise and local time across various cities, the timing may vary slightly. Therefore, devotees are strongly advised to confirm the time using their local Panchang.
Reading Durga Saptashati During Navratri
Navratri is not just a festival of fasting but also a time for worshipping strength and spiritual practice. Ashvin Shukla Paksha Navratri is associated with the worship of the primal power of Mother Durga, as well as the victory of Lord Shri Rama over Ravana. During Navratri, it is considered virtuous to read the Durga Saptashati or entrust its reading to a qualified Brahmin or priest.
It is believed that worshipping the Goddess brings happiness and peace to the family and promotes the spread of positive energy. Below are the main days of Navratri and the associated religious events.
Rituals During Navratri
October 16th, Friday, will be dedicated to Belvarna Puja. Belvarna is one of the important traditions of Durga Puja, especially revered in the traditions of Bengali and East Indian Durga Puja.
October 17th, Saturday, will feature worship related to Maha Saptami. According to the Panchang, the worship related to Saptami will take place after 8:58 AM. Many important Navratri traditions will be observed on this day, including the entry of Naupatrika, Nisha Puja, and the installation of the goddess in pujalayas in Mula Nakshatra. Furthermore, the gates for visiting the goddess will open on this day, enhancing the enthusiasm of Durga Puja, allowing devotees to see the goddess.
October 18th, Sunday, will observe the Shri Durga Ashtami fast. On this day, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, Mahagauri, is worshipped. Ashtami is considered a very important day in Navratri practice. Devotees observe fasts, worship Goddess Durga, and perform other religious rites, including Kanya Pujan, according to their beliefs. Special worships and Mahanisha Puja are also scheduled for this day.
October 19th, Monday, during the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami, Sandhi Puja will be performed. According to the Panchang, the specific time for Sandhi Puja will be at 6:53 AM. This moment of merging Ashtami and Navami is considered extremely important from a religious perspective, hence the Sandhi Puja is conducted with special rituals and reverence. The festival of Mahanavami is also celebrated on this day.
October 20th, Tuesday, according to the rising date, will be Navami, and the Navami period will last until 9:35 AM. After this, the Navratri fast will conclude. Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is also celebrated on this day. On this same day, the immersion of the images of Goddess Durga will take place.
Goddess's Arrival on an Elephant
According to religious beliefs and astrological calculations, Goddess Durga will arrive on an elephant this year. The goddess's arrival on an elephant is considered extremely auspicious in religious traditions. The elephant symbolizes prosperity, stability, and wealth. Therefore, it is believed that the goddess's arrival on an elephant can create an atmosphere of good rain, agricultural progress, happiness, prosperity, and well-being. Good rain holds particular significance in predominantly agrarian societies. However, it is important to clarify that these predictions concerning the goddess's ride are based on religious beliefs and traditional Panchang calculations.
In conclusion, starting with the installation of the kalash on October 11th, devotees must maintain reverence and self-control in worshipping Goddess Durga.