Sharda Navratri fast holds a place of great importance. It signified the faith and belief of people in the power of goddess. Goddess Durga has been worshipped since ancient times. It is believed that Lord Ram worshipped Goddess Durga to attain victory against Ravana. There have been many mythological stories depicting the glory of the goddess. It is believed that observing Navratri fast for nine days as per the rituals blesses the person with virtue and happiness.

Navratra is a festival of nine days in which 9 manifestations of goddess Durga are worshipped in the given order: Goddess Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmandal, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhatri. Sharadiya Navratri is celebrated in the month of Ashwin and people worship the nine forms of the goddess by observing fasts and performing the rituals during this period. Durga saptashti is recited during the puja ceremony, and lamp is lighted day and night for the entire nine days.

Ghat Establishment

In 2024, Shardiya Navratra will begin on 03 October , Thursday on the Pratipada tithi of Ashwin Shukla Paksha. Durga Puja begins with the ritual of establishing a Kalash.

Ashwin Ghatasthapana on Thursday 03 October  2024
Ghatasthapana Muhurta - 06:21 to 10:12
Duration - 03 Hour 50 Minutes
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurta - 11:44 to 12:30

Ghatasthapana Muhurta is on Pratipada date.
Pratipada date start - 02 October  , 2024 at 24:19
Pratipada date ends - 03 October , 2024 at 26:59

In the morning of the pratipada tithi of Ashwin shukla paksha, the devotee determines to fast followed by building an altar of soil himself or by the priest and planting barley over it. Then the Kalash is established on the raised platform made of mud along with an idol of the goddess placed on it. Durga saptashti is recited after the establishment ritual while performing the puja. During the puja ceremony, lamp should be lighted day and night for the entire nine days. Some people establish the idol of Lord Ram and recite Ramayana during this period.

Dates of Navratra

• First Navratri - Pratham Tithi, 03 October 2024, the day is Thursday.  Second Navratri - Dwitiya date, 04 October 2024, the day is Friday  
• Third Navratri - Tritiya date, 05 October 2024, the day is Saturday. 
• Fourth Navratri - Chaturthi Tithi, 06 October 2024, the day is Sunday 
• Fifth Navratri - Panchami Tithi, 07October 2024, the day is Monday. 
• Sixth Navratri - Shashthi Tithi, 08 October 2024, the day is Tuesday. 
• Seventh Navratri - Saptami date, 09  October 2024, the day is Wednesday.
• Eighth Navratri - Ashtami date, 10 October 2024, the day is  Thursday. 
• Ninth Navratri - Navami date, 11 October 2024, the day is Friday  
• Dussehra - Dashami date, 12 October 2024, the day is Saturday.