Navratri is a special festival in India that lasts for nine nights. It’s all about celebrating life, love, and the divine. During Sharad Navratri 2023, we use colorful traditions, and each color has a special meaning. In this article, we’ll explore these fascinating Navratri colors.
During these nine days, people worship the powerful goddess. These nights are for gaining strength, and the day is for doing special practices to find success in our lives. These days are very important for spiritual people and those who practice tantra. According to Indian astrology, if someone does these practices during Navratri, they’ll likely find success. So, many devotees eagerly await these nine days.
In 2023, Sharad Navratri starts on October 15. Each day of Navratri, a different form of the goddess Durga is celebrated. These various forms of the goddess are all unique and have their own special powers. Here’s a list of the goddess forms and their meanings for each day:
- October 15, 2023 – Shailputri, representing Mother Nature
- October 16, 2023 – Brahmacharini, symbolizing Discipline
- October 17, 2023 – Chandraghanta, bringing Peace and Calmness
- October 18, 2023 – Kushmanda, associated with Empowerment
- October 19, 2023 – Skandmata, represents the rewards of spiritual growth and the abundance
- October 20, 2023 – Katyayani, ability to overcome difficulties with courage
- October 21, 2023 – Kaalratri, the destroyer of Fears and Suffering
- October 22, 2023 – Mahagauri, symbolizing Purity and Calmness
- October 23, 2023 – Siddhidatri, the goddess of Accomplishments
- October 24, 2023 – Navratri Parana, the Conclusion of the nine days and the special Kanya Puja.
Sharad Navratri 2023 & its Significance:
Sharad Navratri 2023 is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in the month of ‘Ashwin.’ During these nine days and nights, devotees worship Goddess Durga in all her nine forms. It is believed that Goddess Durga descends to Earth in these forms to bless her devotees. Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga. The first three days represent her fierce forms, including Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, and Chandraghanta. The following three days signify her gentle forms, such as Kushmanda, Skandamata, and Katyayani. The last three days honor her divine forms, Kalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri. Sharad Navratri is not only a religious event but also holds agricultural significance. Farmers worship the goddess of agriculture to seek her blessings for a bountiful harvest. During the nine-day period, it is believed that sowing seeds and starting new business ventures will be prosperous.
Additionally, Navratri is a time when devotees enhance their spiritual practices, including sadhana and tantra. Special pujas, like tantric pujas, are performed with great devotion during this period, making the rituals unique and significant. Sharad Navratri 2023, also known as Maha Navratri, is celebrated across India and marks the beginning of the autumn season in September/October, following the conclusion of Shraddh, a period for remembering ancestors. It’s a time when people buy new clothes and prepare for festivities. In some regions, particularly Assam and Bengal, Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja.
Sharad Navratri 2023 – Colors and Mandir Decorations:
1. Day 1 – October 15, 2023
- Navratri Color: Orange
- Mandir Decoration: Use orange and yellow marigold flowers to give your mandir a positive, temple-style look.
2. Day 2 – October 16, 2023
- Navratri Color: White
- Mandir Decoration: Decorate with white tulip flowers to create a serene atmosphere.
3. Day 3 – October 17, 2023
- Navratri Color: Red
- Mandir Decoration: Use fresh roses to make an “OM” symbol or create a mandir background with red chunari or dupatta.
4. Day 4 – October 18, 2023
- Navratri Color: Royal Blue
- Mandir Decoration: Decorate with vibrant blue orchids and create a jali design background behind the idols.
5. Day 5 – October 19, 2023
- Navratri Color: Yellow
- Mandir Decoration: Use marigold flowers, known to appeal to deities, and place them around a floating lamp in the mandir.
6. Day 6 – October 20, 2023
- Navratri Color: Green
- Mandir Decoration: Create a traditional theme with Ashoka/mango leaves and marigold flowers to make a toran for the mandir entrance.
7. Day 7 – October 21, 2023
- Navratri Color: Grey
- Mandir Decoration: Create the mandap with mirror work cloth to give the decoration a lively yet subtle look.
8. Day 8 – October 22, 2023
- Navratri Color: Purple
- Mandir Decoration: Make an amazing mandap using purple drapes.
9. Day 9 – October 23, 2023
- Navratri Color: Peacock green
- Mandir Decoration: Get creative with DIY wall hangings or handicrafts using peacock green and contrasting Navratri colors for a personalized touch.
Sharad Navratri 2023 – Nine Days, Nine Goddesses
1. October 15, 2023 – Shailputri:
This form symbolizes Mother Nature’s qualities, acknowledging the nurturing and life-giving aspects of the natural world. Shailaputri is the first form of Goddess Durga, often known as Shailaja, and she represents the daughter of the mountain, Goddess Parvati.
2. October 16, 2023 – Brahmacharini:
Brahmacharini signifies penance, discipline, and dedication. This form teaches us the value of commitment and hard work. On the second day of Navratri, we honor Goddess Brahmacharini, a symbol of wisdom and austerity.
3. October 17, 2023 – Chandraghanta:
This form represents peace and calmness, reminding us of the importance of inner tranquility and harmony. On the third day of Navratri, devotees worship goddess Chandraghanta, also known as Chandrakhanda, Chandika, or Rannchandi. She is a ten-armed woman carrying various weapons.
4. October 18, 2023 – Kushmanda:
Kushmanda is associated with empowerment, signifying the strength and energy needed to face life’s challenges. She is the fourth incarnation of Goddess Durga and is worshipped on the fourth day of Navaratri. The name Kushmanda combines “a little,” “warmth” or “energy,” and “cosmic egg.”
5. October 19, 2023 – Skandmata:
This form symbolizes salvation and prosperity, representing the rewards of spiritual growth and abundance. On the fifth day of Sharad Navratri 2023, people worship Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda or Kartikeya.
6.October 20, 2023 – Katyayani:
Katyayani embodies fierceness, determination, and the ability to overcome difficulties with courage. She is believed to have defeated Mahishasura on the sixth day of Navratri.
7. October 21, 2023 – Kaalratri:
Kaalratri is the Eliminator of Fears and Suffering. She represents the power to conquer fears and challenges, granting us the strength to persevere. On the seventh day of Navratri, people worship the goddess Kaalratri, the strongest manifestation of Durga.
8. October 22, 2023 – Mahagauri:
Mahagauri stands for purity and serenity. This form reminds us of the importance of purity in thoughts and actions. On the eighth day of Sharad Navratri 2023, Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga, is worshipped. She is portrayed as a four-armed deity holding a damru and trident, wearing only white clothes.
9. October 23, 2023 – Siddhidatri:
Siddhidatri is the goddess of accomplishments, symbolizing the achievements and successes that come from dedicated efforts and devotion. The ninth incarnation of Goddess Durga is Siddhidatri, who supports her followers in their endeavors. A female deity rides a lotus and holds four objects in this depiction.
10. October 24, 2023 – Navratri Parana:
This marks the conclusion of the nine days of Navratri celebrations. It’s a time to reflect on the goddess’s diverse forms and their significance. On this day, young girls are honored and offered food, symbolizing the goddess’s presence among them during the special Kanya Puja.
2023 Shardiya Navratri Ghatasthapana – How to Perform:
What is Ghatasthapana? Ghatasthapana is a special ritual during Sharad Navratri 2023 that marks the beginning of the nine-day festival. It’s about invoking Goddess Shakti. However, it’s essential to do this ritual at the right time, as our scriptures warn that doing it wrong could upset Goddess Shakti. Avoid doing Ghatasthapana on Amavasya (no moon day) or during the night.
When and How It’s Done: Ghatasthapana happens on the first day of Navratri, known as Pratipada, and continues for the next nine days. The puja ends on the morning of the 10th day, Vijaya Dasami or Dasara.
Items Needed for Ghatasthapana in Sharad Navratri 2023:
- A wide clay pot to sow Sapta Dhanya (seven grains)
- Clean soil for sowing the grains
- Sapta Dhanya (seeds of seven different grains)
- A small clay or brass pitcher
- Sacred water (Kalash or Ganga Jal)
- Sacred thread (Moli or Kalaya)
- Scent (perfume)
- Betel nuts (Supari)
- Coins to put into the Kalash
- 5 leaves of Ashoka or Mango tree
- A lid to cover the Kalash
- Raw Rice or unbroken rice (Akshat) to put in the lid
- Unpeeled Coconut
- Red cloth to wrap the coconut
- Flowers and Garland (preferably marigold)
- Durva grass
Steps for Ghatasthapana Puja in Sharad Navratri 2023:
- Clean the area where you plan to do the puja.
- Take a pitcher with a large mouth, made of mud or copper, fill it with soil, and sow seven types of grains.
- Install a picture of Goddess Durga in the puja area, near a sand bed, and if available, a Navarna Yantra.
- The Kalash pot is filled with water, sandalwood paste, flowers, durva grass, rice mixed with turmeric, betel nut, five leaves, and a coconut on top.
- Garlands and flowers are placed on the pot and the picture or idol of Goddess.
- Light lamps in the morning and evening and perform Aarti. In some homes, a lamp remains lit throughout the nine days.
- Chant the mantras during the puja, which can vary based on region and family tradition.
- Keep the sand bed and the pot with sand moist.
- Offer fresh flowers and garlands during all nine days.
- On the tenth day, the grown grains are cut and shared as Prasad with family, friends, and neighbors.
Navratri Guidelines: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s at Sharad Navratri 2023:
- Fruits: You can eat fruits as part of your diet during Navratri, except during fasting hours.
- Milk and Dairy: It’s okay to consume milk, buttermilk, and curd to stay hydrated and cool during Navratri.
- Bathing: Make sure to take a bath, especially in the morning.
- Kanya Puja: Perform the sacred Kanya Puja, ideally on the eighth and ninth days of Navratri.
- Cleanliness: Keep yourself and the place of Puja clean. It’s believed that Goddess Durga visits every home during these nine days.
- Durga Saptashati: Recite the Durga Saptashati during Puja in the morning and evening.
- Brahmacharya: Follow Brahmacharya, which includes celibacy and other virtuous practices.
- Colorful Attire: Each day of Navratri corresponds to a different color representing the form of Devi. Try to wear sarees of that particular color on a specific day.
Don’ts at Sharad Navratri 2023:
- Flour and Grains: If you’re fasting during Navratri, avoid regular flour and grains. You can use alternatives like buckwheat or water chestnut flour and Sama rice.
- Non-Vegetarian and Certain Foods: Do not consume non-vegetarian foods, semolina, tamsik foods like onion and garlic, and processed salt during Navratri. Alcohol is also strictly forbidden.
- Hair and Nails: Avoid cutting your hair and nails during this time, as it’s believed to bring bad luck.
- Grounded Sleep: According to tradition, if you’re fasting, sleep on the ground and maintain celibacy.
- Salt: Use rock salt instead of table salt during the fast.
Remember to consult with a Pandit or religious authority for guidance if you have specific questions or concerns about observing Sharad Navratri 2023.
AstroPush– Online Astrology Platform
In astrology, the ninth day (Navami) is important. Additionally, it’s a good time to consult an astrologer for life, career, and relationship insights. Furthermore, Astropush offers expert Vedic astrology services online. By analyzing your Kundli chart, they reveal strengths, weaknesses, and more. Consequently, this info aids decisions on education, work, finances, and marriage. Astrologers also offer solutions for challenges and study planetary movements for future insights.
Moreover, Sharad Navratri 2023 isn’t just about colors; it’s a celebration of life, love, and magic. Additionally, each color symbolizes something profound. Consequently, connect with an astrologer to unlock the true magic of Navratri colors and fill your life with joy and love. Hence, book a free consultation today to learn more about Navratri 2023, the Goddess’s worship, and astrological predictions for your zodiac sign.
FAQs
1. Question: Is Black a Navratri Color?
Answer: No, black is not one of the traditional nine colors associated with Navratri. While there is no strict rule against wearing black during Sharad Navratri 2023, it is generally avoided because black is often associated with sorrow and negativity in this festive context.
2. Question: When Should I End My Navratri Fast?
Answer: At the end of the nine-day fast during Navratri, there are different practices. Some break their fast on Vijayadashami, while others continue fasting even on Dashami.
3. Question: What Do the 9 Forms of Maa Durga Symbolize?
Answer: Each of the nine forms of Maa Durga represents various qualities and aspects of divine feminine energy, such as power, wisdom, and protection.
4. Question: How Many Navratris Occur in a Year?
Answer: There are four Navratris in a year: Magha, Chaitra, Ashadha, and Sharad.
