Navratri 2024 Muhurat: Best Times for Rituals

Navratri is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrated over nine days to honor Maa Durga. In 2024, the festival starts on October 3 and ends on October 12, with special days dedicated to different forms of the goddess. To make your prayers more meaningful and receive blessings from Maa Durga, it is important to follow the right muhurat (auspicious time) for rituals. Here’s everything you need to know about the important timings during Navratri 2024.

When Does Navratri 2024 Start?

Navratri in 2024 will begin on October 3. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival starts on the Pratipada Tithi (first day of the lunar month Ashwin). The exact time when this tithi begins is at 12:18 AM on October 3, and it ends at 2:58 AM on October 4. During these nine days, different forms of Maa Durga are worshipped, and devotees keep fasts to purify their mind and body.

Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2024

The first ritual of Navratri is Ghatasthapana, which marks the beginning of the nine-day celebration. This is when a Kalash (holy pot) is placed as a symbol of the goddess’s presence in the home. It is very important to perform Ghatasthapana at the right time for it to be successful.

• Date: October 3, 2024
• Best Muhurat (Time): 6:15 AM to 7:22 AM
• Alternative Abhijit Muhurat: 11:46 AM to 12:33 PM

Make sure to complete the Ghatasthapana ritual during this time to bring Maa Durga’s blessings into your home.

Important Days During Navratri 2024

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of Durga, and performing puja on these days brings special benefits.

• Day 1 (October 3): Worship Maa Shailputri
• Day 2 (October 4): Worship Maa Brahmacharini
• Day 3 (October 5): Worship Maa Chandraghanta
• Day 4 (October 6): Worship Maa Kushmanda
• Day 5 (October 7): Worship Maa Skandamata
• Day 6 (October 8): Worship Maa Katyayani
• Day 7 (October 9): Worship Maa Kalaratri
• Day 8 (October 10): Worship Maa Siddhidatri
• Day 9 (October 11): Worship Maa Mahagauri

On the eighth day, known as Durga Ashtami, many people also perform Kanya Pujan, where young girls are honored as representations of the goddess.

Vijayadashami (Dussehra) Muhurat 2024

Navratri ends with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil. It marks the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravana and Maa Durga killed the demon Mahishasura.

• Date: October 12, 2024
• Vijayadashami Muhurat: 2:45 PM to 4:30 PM

This is the perfect time to perform any victory-related rituals, such as Ravana Dahan (burning of Ravana’s effigy), which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

How to Celebrate Navratri 2024

During these nine days, families come together to celebrate and pray. Homes are cleaned, and many people decorate their houses with rangolis (colorful patterns) and light diyas (lamps). In many parts of India, Garba and Dandiya dances are performed, especially in Gujarat. People wear colorful clothes and enjoy the vibrant festivities.

Fasting during Navratri is also a common practice, where devotees eat simple food like fruits, milk, and special vrat recipes such as sabudana khichdi and singhare ke atte ka halwa. The idea is to purify the body and focus on spiritual growth.

In small towns and villages, elders share stories of Maa Durga’s bravery and Lord Rama’s victory, making the festival memorable for the younger generation.

Conclusion

Navratri 2024 is a time to cleanse your soul and seek the blessings of Maa Durga. By following the right muhurat and performing the rituals with devotion, you can bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to your home. Whether you live in a big city or a small village, the spirit of Navratri unites everyone in devotion and celebration. Let’s celebrate Navratri 2024 with love, devotion, and joy, and invite Maa Durga’s blessings into our lives.

Jai Mata Di !