Navratri 2023: Dates, Tithi, Muhurat, and what to offer to each goddess

Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, holds immense significance in Indian culture. It is celebrated with great fervour and devotion throughout the country. While some indulge in deep meditation or Sadhana during this period, others like to enjoy the delicious foods prepared during the Navratri period. If you’re curious about Navratri 2023 datesand want to know all about it along with the right muhurat, you’ve come to the right place.In this article, we will provide you with all the essential details about Navratri 2023.

Navratri 2023: Date and Duration

Navratri is celebrated for nine consecutive nights and begins on the first day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. In 2023, Navratri will commence on October 15th and conclude on October 24th. The festival culminates on the tenth day, known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami.
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Navratri 2023: Tithi and Muhurat

The specific tithis and muhurats are crucial aspects of Navratri celebrations. Here is a list of the important tithis and muhurats for Navratri 2023:
Pratipada (First Day): October 15, 2023 (Sunday)
Dwitiya (Second Day): October 16, 2023 (Monday)
Tritiya (Third Day): October 17, 2023 (Tuesday)
Chaturthi (Fourth Day): October 18, 2023 (Wednesday)
Panchami (Fifth Day): October 19, 2023 (Thursday)
Shashthi (Sixth Day): October 20, 2023 (Friday)
Saptami (Seventh Day): October 21, 2023 (Saturday)
Ashtami (Eighth Day): October 22, 2023 (Sunday)
Navami (Ninth Day): October 23, 2023 (Monday)
According to Udayatithi, Sharadiya Navratri will start from Sunday, 15th October. Pratipada Tithi starts – October 14, 2023, Saturday at 11:24 pm and ends on October 15, Sunday, at 12:32 pm. While the auspicious time for Kalash sthapna is from 11:44 am to 12:30 pm.

Navratri Puja and Rituals

During Navratri, devotees observe rigorous fasts, engage in prayer and meditation, and participate in various cultural activities. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to different forms of the goddess Durga.
Day 1: Devi Shailputri
Day 2: Devi Brahmacharini
Day 3: Devi Chandraghanta
Day 4: Devi Kushmanda
Day 5: Devi Skandamata
Day 6: Devi Katyayani
Day 7: Devi Kalaratri
Day 8: Goddess Mahagauri
Day 9: Devi Siddhidatri
The tenth day, Dussehra, marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This day also has a different story attached to it, where Lord Rama returned home after winning over Ravana and getting Maa Sita back.

Importance of offering during Navratri

This festival honour the divine feminine energy, emphasizes the significance of offerings as a symbol of devotion, gratitude, and surrender. During these auspicious days, each goddess, representing distinct attributes, is worshipped with specific offerings.
Maa Shailaputri
The first form of Durga, Shailaputri, is worshipped on the first day of Navratri. She adores white flowers, especially jasmine, and sugarcane. Offerings of cow’s milk are also considered auspicious.
Maa Brahmacharini
The second avatar, Brahmacharini, loves the colour yellow. Offer her yellow flowers, especially Chrysanthemums, and fruits, especially bananas. Turmeric is also a favourite offering.
Mother Chandraghanta
On the third day, Chandraghanta is worshipped. She favours red flowers, particularly red hibiscus, and offers of sweets like Kheer and red fruits like pomegranates.
Maa Kushmanda
Kushmanda, the fourth form, adores offerings of pumpkin, which is why she’s also known as the pumpkin-loving goddess. Red flowers and Malpua are also cherished by her.

Country Skandamata
Skandamata, the fifth avatar, prefers white flowers, especially roses, and bananas. She is also fond of sandalwood incense and offers of Sooji/Atta Halwa made from jaggery.
Maa Katyayani
Katyayani, the sixth form, loves the colour orange. Offer her orange flowers, especially Marigolds, and honey. Her favourite food offering is honey and fruits, especially Mangoes.
Maa Kaalratri
Kaalratri, the fierce seventh form, adores dark-coloured flowers, especially Raat ki Rani, and sesame seeds. Offerings of black lentils and jaggery are also appreciated.
Mother Mahagauri
Mahagauri, the eighth form, favours white flowers, especially white lotus, and coconut. Offerings of Kheer and white sweets like Barfi are cherished by her.
Maa Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri, the ninth and final form of Durga, appreciates yellow flowers, particularly yellow roses, and fruits like bananas. Offerings of sweets, especially Rajbhog, are her favourite.
Offering these items with pure intentions during Navratri fosters a deeper connection with the divine, instills spiritual discipline, and brings blessings of abundance, knowledge, and strength to the devotee’s life. These offerings symbolise the devotee’s devotion, creating a sacred bond between the worshipper and the goddesses, enriching the spiritual experience of Navratri.
(Images courtesy: Canva)