Navratri 2023: Important things to know about the festival

The Navratri festival, which commenced on October 15, 2023, is being celebrated with immense enthusiasm across the country.

Navaratri, spanning nine days and nights, holds great importance among Hindus as it is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga.

Occurring in the month of September to October, it is known as Shardiya Navratri. Devotees offer prayers to the nine different forms of Goddess Durga during this period, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The culmination of the Navaratri festival is set for October 24, 2023.

During Navratri 2023, devotees make specific food offerings to each form of Goddess Durga:

Maa Shailputri: On the first day, worshippers offer ghee as a prasad to Goddess Shailputri.

Maa Brahmacharini: The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, and devotees are advised to offer Shakkar or sweets to please her.

Maa Chandraghanta: On the third day, when Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped, followers offer milk as a sacred offering.

Maa Kushmanda: Devotees worship the fourth form, Maa Kushmanda, on a particular day and offer Maalpua as a sacred offering.

Maa Skandamata: On the fifth day, dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, it is recommended to offer bananas to please her.

Maa Katyayani: The sixth day is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, and people are advised to worship her by offering honey.

Maa Kaalratri: On the seventh day, when Goddess Kaalratri is revered, devotees offer jaggery as a part of the rituals.

Maa Mahagauri: Devotees often organize Kanya Pujan on this day, inviting nine young girls. They offer the favorite bhog of Maa Durga, which includes Halwa, Poori, and coconut.

Maa Siddhidatri: The ninth day is dedicated to worshipping the final form, Maa Siddhidatri. People celebrate this day by organizing Kanya Pujan and offering Halwa, Poori, and Chana (grain) to the young girls.


Story based on ToI feature