Shardiya Navratri 2024: Rituals, Auspicious Timings & Key Practices

Lucknow: Shardiya Navratri, a major festival in the Sanatan tradition, begins on October 3, 2024. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, with devotees honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga over nine auspicious days. According to astrologer Dr. Acharya Dev, the auspicious time for Kalash Sthapana will be from 6:15 AM to 7:22 AM on the first day. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of the Goddess, and special colors hold significance, such as white for Shailputri and red for Katyayani.

Acharya Dev emphasizes that adhering to the rituals, including Kalash Sthapana, mantra recitations, and offering traditional items like coconut, shringar, and chunri, brings prosperity. To gain the full spiritual benefits of the festival, it is advised to avoid tamasic habits and focus on spiritual growth during this sacred period. The festival concludes with Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami, marking the completion of Navratri’s rituals with immense devotion and purity.