Navratri 2022: Devi Paksha dedicated to Goddess Durga is a period in the Hindu month of Ashwin. It starts soon after the Mahalaya Amavasya (the New Moon night that marks the end of the Pitru Paksha, a fortnight devoted to the deceased ancestors) and lasts for nine days. Therefore, it is popularly referred to as Navratri. It concludes with Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami, a day that marks Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.And since it falls in Ashwin (a month that concurs with Gregorian September/October) when the Autumn season sets in, it is also called Sharadiya Navratri. Interestingly, devotees pay tribute to the nine forms of Goddess Durga during these nine days. Scroll down to know the Sharadiya Navratri 2021 start and end dates and other important details.
Navratri 2022 dates
This year, Shardiya Navratri begins October 7
Navratri 2022 Navdurga Puja dates
| Date | Tithi | Navdurga form/ important rituals |
|---|---|---|
| October 7 | Pratipada | Ghatasthapana and Shailputri Puja |
| October 8 | Dwitiya | Brahmacharini Puja |
| October 9 | Tritiya and Chaturthi | Chandraghanta Puja and Kushmanda Puja |
| October 10 | Panchami | Skandamata Puja |
| October 11 | Sashti | Katyayani Puja |
| October 12 | Saptami | Kalaratri Puja |
| October 13 | Ashtami | Maha Gauri Puja |
| October 14 | Navami | Siddhidhatri Puja |
| October 15 | Dashami | Navratri Parana/Durga Visarjan |
Significance of Navratri
Goddess Durga is the consort of Lord Shiva and the mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. Ardent devotees of the Devi observe the Navratri fast four times a year. However, out of the four Navratris – Magha (winter), Chaitra (Spring), Ashadha (Monsoon) and Sharad (Autumn) – the latter is the most important. The Sharad or Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in September/October as per the Gregorian calendar. The Devi Paksha commences after the New Moon Day (Amavasya) in the Ashwin month and concludes with Navami, a day before the auspicious day before Dussehra.
Navratri is dedicated to the Goddess who epitomises feminine power or Shakti. During this festival that spans over nine days, the Navdurga (nine forms of Durga) are worshipped. The festivities begin with the Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana (a sacred pot). Devotees observe a fast during the nine days, read the Devi Mahatmyaham and chant holy mantras dedicated to the Mother Goddess.
This festival marks the triumph of the Devi over a buffalo demon named Mahishasur, who had caused massive destruction. Hence, she is called Mahishasuramardini, meaning the one who eliminated Mahishasur. She is believed to have the combined powers of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer).