Durga Puja Holiday 2024 (Saturday, 12th October 2024)
Maha Navami, also known as Navami or Durga Navami, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the ninth day of the Navratri festival. This auspicious day falls on the last day of the Navratri festival and holds great religious and cultural importance for Hindus across the world. Maha Navami is a time for devotees to pay homage to the goddess Durga and seek her blessings. In 2024, Maha Navami will be observed on 12th October, and preparations are already underway to celebrate this joyous occasion.
Maha Navami 2024 Date in India: 12th October, Saturday
Maha Navami 2024 Overview
| Festival Name | Maha Navami |
| Also Known as | Ayudha Pooja |
| Goddess | Maa Durga |
| Celebrated by | Indians |
| Religion | Hindus |
Celebrate Maha Navami 2024 with this special India Calendar; featuring a unique design for each month and special cultural highlights.
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 |
| 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 |
| 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 |
| Maha Navami 2023 Date | Monday, 23 October |
| Maha Navami 2024 Date | Saturday, 12 October |
| Maha Navami 2025 Date | Wednesday, 1 October |
| Maha Navami 2026 Date | Tuesday, 20 October |
Friday, October 11, 2024 marks the auspicious occasion of Maha Navami. The glorious Ashwina Navratri Parana will follow on Saturday, October 12, 2024. As the clock strikes 12:06 PM on October 11, 2024, the divine Navami Tithi commences, bringing with it an array of blessings and spiritual significance. The Navami Tithi gracefully concludes at 10:58 AM on October 12, 2024, bidding farewell to this divine celebration.
Maha Navami marks the culmination of the nine-day long Navratri festival, which is dedicated to the worship of various forms of the goddess Durga. It is believed that on this day, goddess Durga finally defeated the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Devotees observe fasts, perform special prayers, and engage in various religious rituals to seek the blessings of the goddess.
On Maha Navami, devotees offer prayers to goddess Durga in her various forms, such as Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. The day is also associated with the worship of weapons, as it is believed that goddess Durga received her weapons from various gods on this day. Many devotees also visit temples and participate in community gatherings to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
Maha Navami is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Hindus around the world. The day begins with devotees waking up early and taking a ritual bath before visiting temples or setting up home altars for prayers. They offer flowers, fruits, and other traditional offerings to the goddess, along with reciting hymns and mantras.
One of the significant customs observed on Maha Navami is the Ayudha Puja or the worship of tools and instruments. People, especially those involved in trades and professions, clean and decorate their tools and vehicles, and offer prayers to seek the blessings of goddess Durga for prosperity and success. This ritual signifies the importance of tools and instruments in one’s livelihood and the belief that the goddess blesses them with divine energy.
Apart from the religious rituals, Maha Navami is also a time for cultural celebrations and festivities. In many parts of India, especially in West Bengal, elaborate processions known as ‘Bisarjan’ are organized on this day. Idols of goddess Durga are taken in grand processions to nearby rivers or water bodies for immersion, accompanied by music, dance, and enthusiastic devotees.
In addition to the processions, various cultural programs and performances are organized during Maha Navami. Traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya Raas are performed by men and women, showcasing their vibrant attire and rhythmic movements. These cultural events bring communities together and add to the festive spirit of Maha Navami.
Maha Navami is celebrated with unique regional variations across different parts of India. In some regions, young girls are worshipped as a form of the goddess on this day, known as ‘Kanya Pujan.’ These girls are considered embodiments of divine energy, and their feet are washed, adorned with sacred symbols, and offered delicious meals as a mark of respect.
In other regions, Maha Navami is associated with the worship of animals. Cows, elephants, and other animals are adorned with garlands and worshipped as a symbol of fertility and prosperity. This practice reflects the deep reverence for nature and all living beings in Hindu culture.
- May your life is showered with the love and blessings of Maa Durga, May the occasion of Maha Navami bring along a year full of positivity for you.
- On the auspicious occasion of Maha Navami, I wish you the most inspiring opportunities and great success in life. Blessed Mahanavami to you.
- May Goddess Durga is always there to give you power and strength in life. May you fight all challenges with greatness and good luck. Happy Maha Navami to you.
- On this auspicious day of Maha Navami, My greetings to you and your family, Happiness and betterment at all levels, For today and all time to come, Success at the end of all your pursuits, In the most truthful way.
- Wishing you and your family a very Happy Maha Navami. I pray to Durga Maa to always bless your life with happiness, goodness and good fortune.
What do we do on Maha Navami?
The 9th day of Dashain is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Siddhidatri, one of the 9 forms of Goddess Durga. This day is also known as Maha Navami and signifies the slaying of a demon by Goddess Durga.
Is Navami good or bad?
Ashtami and Navami are not considered bad days. In ancient times, schools used to count the days for classes and weekends based on the position of the moon. They would start counting from either the full moon day or the new moon day.
What should not be done in Navami?
Navami Tithi is considered unfavorable for auspicious tasks but ideal for strenuous tasks and war, with increased probability of victory.
Can we do good things in Navami?
Ashtami and Navami Tithi of Chaitra Navratri are considered auspicious for starting new work according to astrology. Worshiping on these days is believed to bring positive results and success.
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