Navratri 2023: Dates, Tithi, Muhurat, and Sacred Offerings for Every Goddess
Navratri, the highly anticipated nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, is about to grace the Indian cultural landscape once again. This vibrant and spiritually significant celebration brings millions of devotees together in a harmonious tribute to the divine. As Navratri 2023 approaches, it's essential to understand the dates, tithi, muhurat, and the offerings that correspond with each of the goddesses.
# Navratri 2023: Date and Duration
Navratri spans nine consecutive nights and initiates on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. This year, Navratri commences on October 15th and concludes on October 24th. The festival reaches its crescendo on the tenth day, celebrated as Dussehra or Vijayadashami.
# Navratri 2023: Tithi and Muhurat
Crucial to Navratri celebrations are the specific tithis (dates) and muhurats (auspicious times). Here's a breakdown of the essential tithis and muhurats for Navratri 2023:
- Pratipada (First Day): October 15, 2023 (Sunday)
- Dwitiya (Second Day): October 16, 2023 (Monday)
- Tritiya (Third Day): October 17, 2023 (Tuesday)
- Chaturthi (Fourth Day): October 18, 2023 (Wednesday)
- Panchami (Fifth Day): October 19, 2023 (Thursday)
- Shashthi (Sixth Day): October 20, 2023 (Friday)
- Saptami (Seventh Day): October 21, 2023 (Saturday)
- Ashtami (Eighth Day): October 22, 2023 (Sunday)
- Navami (Ninth Day): October 23, 2023 (Monday)
According to Udayatithi, Sharadiya Navratri will start on Sunday, October 15th. The Pratipada Tithi begins on October 14, 2023, Saturday at 11:24 pm and concludes on October 15, Sunday, at 12:32 pm. The auspicious time for Kalash sthapna is from 11:44 am to 12:30 pm.
# Navratri Puja and Rituals
During Navratri, devotees engage in rigorous fasting, prayers, meditation, and cultural activities. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess Durga:
Day 1: Devi Shailputri
Day 2: Devi Brahmacharini
Day 3: Devi Chandraghanta
Day 4: Devi Kushmanda
Day 5: Devi Skandamata
Day 6: Devi Katyayani
Day 7: Devi Kalaratri
Day 8: Devi Mahagauri
Day 9: Devi Siddhidatri
The tenth day, Dussehra, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and commemorates Lord Rama's return home after defeating Ravana and rescuing Maa Sita.
# Importance of Offering During Navratri
Navratri is a festival that reveres the divine feminine energy, underlining the significance of offerings as expressions of devotion, gratitude, and surrender. Each goddess, representing unique attributes, is worshipped with specific offerings during these auspicious days:
Maa Shailaputri: Offer white flowers, especially jasmine, sugarcane, and cow's milk.
Maa Brahmacharini: Present yellow flowers, bananas, and turmeric.
Maa Chandraghanta: Prefer red hibiscus, sweets like Kheer, and red fruits like pomegranates.
Maa Kushmanda: Offer pumpkin, red flowers, and Malpua.
Maa Skandamata: Choose white roses, bananas, sandalwood incense, and Sooji/Atta Halwa made from jaggery.
Maa Katyayani: Opt for orange flowers (Marigolds), honey, and mangoes.
Maa Kaalratri: Bring dark-colored flowers like Raat ki Rani, sesame seeds, black lentils, and jaggery.
Maa Mahagauri: Select white lotus, coconut, Kheer, and white sweets like Barfi.
Maa Siddhidatri: Go with yellow roses, bananas, and Rajbhog sweets.
Offering these items with pure intentions fosters a profound connection with the divine, instills spiritual discipline, and brings blessings of abundance, knowledge, and strength into the devotee's life. These offerings symbolize devotion, creating a sacred bond between the worshipper and the goddesses, enriching the spiritual experience of Navratri.