New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Navratri is around the corner and the excitement amongst the devotees is only palpable. It is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga—the Shakti. It marks the victory of good over evil and how Mata Rani killed the asura safeguarding the truth and righteous.


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

Navratri is celebrated differently across the country. There are four types of seasonal Navratris, but the one which falls in the months of either September-October is called Sharad or Shardiya Navratri and happens to be the most celebrated. Besides, Sharad Navratri, there is another one called Chaitra Navratri which is celebrated right after the Spring season.


The power of Devi Durga is hailed and celebrated during 9-days. It usually falls in the month of Ashvin (Sept-Oct) as per Gregorian calendar. This year, Navratri festival will be celebrated from October 10 to October 18. Vijayadashami will be celebrated on October 19.


Here's the Sharad or Shardiya Navratri schedule for 2018, according to Drikpanchang.com:


Day 1 (Oct 10): Pratipada—Ghatasthapana, Chandra Darshan, Shailputri Puja


Brahmacharini Puja


Day 2 (Oct 11): Tritiya—Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja


Day 3 (Oct 12): Chaturthi—Kushmanda Puja, Varad Vinayaka Chauth


Day 4 (Oct 13): Panchami—Upang Lalita Vrat, Skandamata Puja


Day 5 (Oct 14): Panchami—Saraswati Awahan


Day 6 (Oct 15): Shashthi—Katyayani Puja


Day 7 (Oct 16): Saptami—Saraswati Puja, Kalaratri Puja


Day 8 (Oct 17): Ashtami—Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami


Day 9 (Oct 18): Navami—Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana


Day 10 (Oct 19): Dashami or Vijayadashami—Durga Visarjan, Vijayadashami