In Navratri 2023, which falls from October 15 to October 24, Hindus in India and the rest of the world will celebrate with pure devotion and dedication. Navratri is a festival of the Divine Mother, Maa Durga, and devotees worship her nine powerful forms in nine days. Another name for this Navaratri that falls in September or October is Sharad or Shardiya Navaratri.

The significance of this festival is that different states in India celebrate it in different ways.

The rituals of Sharad Navaratri 2023 will begin with Ghatasthapana on the first day, or Pratipada, which falls on October 15.

Navratri 2023: Date and Timings

Navratri is derived from the Sanskrit words “Nava” (nine) and “ratri” (night). It is a celebration of the nine forms of the goddess Durga on nine different days. This time There are also a few types of Navaratri, and these are Sharad, Chaitra, Vasanta, Magha, Ashada, Pausha, and Maha Navaratri. Out of these, Sharad or Shardiya, and Chaitra Navratri are very significant, and devotees celebrate these two widely.

Sharad Navaratri typically falls in September or October every year in the Hindu month of Ashwin.

The celebration of Navratri represents the triumph of good (Devi Durga) over evil (Mahisasura). To pay homage to the nine various manifestations of the goddess Durga, Hindus pray throughout Navratri. Hindus associate the festival of Navratri with intense devotion, self-purification, and a quest for the blessings of the heavenly mother throughout nine days.

Navratri 2023 Dates With Goddess Durga’s 9 Forms

The Navratri 2023 festival will end on the 10th day, October 24, 2023. It’ll be celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra 2023.

Ghatasthapana 2023: What Does It Mean?

Ghatashthapana 2023 is a kind of ritual on the very first day of Navratri 2023, or Pratipada. This year, Ashwina Ghatasthapana will take place on Sunday, October 15, 2023. It marks the beginning of Navaratri. Two words—”Ghata” (pot) and “sthapana” (establishments)—together make the Ghatashtapana.

This ritual involves the establishment of a sacred pot, or kalash (clay or metal), in the home or puja area.

Ghatasthapana signifies inviting Goddess Durga into the home to pour unwavering blessings and prevent evils.

But there are specific timings for Ghatasthapana Vidhi 2023, and devotees will follow them strictly.

Ghatasthapana 2023 Date and Timings

The best time to do Ghatasthapana 2023 is during the first part of the day when Pratipada is happening. If that’s not possible, you can also do it during Abhijit Muhurta. It’s better to avoid Chitra Nakshatra and Vaidhriti Yoga, but it’s not a rule. The most important thing is to do Ghatasthapana before midday when Pratipada is still going on.

Procedures to Perform Ghatasthapana 2023

To perform Ghatasthapana 2023, you need a few materials so that you can pay homage to goddess Durga. This procedure will not only help to start Navratri 2023 but also transform your home into a holy place for 9 nights and 10 days. If you commit yourself to praying, Maa Durga will remove the evils from life and restore wealth and peace.

• Clean the Pot: Make sure the clay or brass pot is super clean. You can use a new pot for the rituals.
• Add Soil: Fill the pot with good, rich soil. This soil represents the earth, which gives life and makes things grow.
• Plant Seeds: Sprinkle some barley seeds (or any grains) on top of the soil. These seeds will start growing during Navratri. It shows how life grows and brings lots of good things.
• Water It: Give the seeds a little drink of water, but don’t make it too wet. You can use a copper or brass pot to sprinkle the water.
• Decorate the Pot: Put six mango leaves around the top of the pot to bring in good luck. Then, place an unpeeled coconut on the leaves. This coconut is like the goddess, and it’s wrapped in a red cloth.
• Add a Special Mark: Make a red mark, called a tilak, on the pot using a mix of kumkum and turmeric. This mark makes the pot very special.
• Offer Your Prayers: Light incense sticks and lamps to make your space feel pure and bright. Offer flowers and do a little prayer to invite the goddess. You can also say special words or chants.
• Prayers and Gifts: Offer more prayers, flowers, and maybe some sweets or fruits to the pot. Ask the goddess for her blessings so that Navratri will be full of good things.
• Take Good Care: During the nine days of Navratri, make sure the pot is well taken care of. Keep the soil moist, and watch the seeds grow. Continue to offer prayers and light incense and lamps each day.
• Visarjan or Immersion: After Navratri, you can choose to immerse the pot in a river, lake, or any other natural water body. This symbolizes the return of the deity to her celestial abode.

Navratri in Eastern India and Gujarat

In West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, Navratri takes the form of Durga Puja. This celebration lasts for five days, starting on the 6th day of Navratri and concluding with Vijaya Dashami on the 10th day.

Families come together each day to perform prayers and sing devotional songs, seeking blessings from Goddess Durga.

Durga Puja isn’t just about rituals; it’s a time for cultural celebrations. Dance and music performances fill the air with joy.

In Assam, West Bengal, and Tripura, during Durga Puja, the streets come alive with vibrant stalls. These stalls are like treasure chests filled with fancy toys and trinkets for people of all ages to enjoy. And that’s not all! These stalls also offer mouthwatering sweets, snacks, and local favorites.

People attend not only to shop but also to interact, enhancing the festive atmosphere of Durga Puja and making it an event that appeals to all.

Both the Dandiya and Garba dances are performed as part of Gujarat’s distinctive and lively Navratri festival. When “Navratri Mahotsav” is in its final three nights, the spirit of Dandiya, which stands for harmony and joy, is at its peak.