Shaarad Navaratra
festivalsAlso known as: Shaarad Navaratra, Navratri Begins
Quick Overview
- Date in 2031
- Thursday, October 16, 2031
- Tithi
- Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 01:51 PM, Oct 16 to 01:00 PM, Oct 17
- Lunar month
- Ashwin · Shukla Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Shraddha
Shaarad Navaratra
Thursday, October 16, 2031
Lunar Month: Ashwin
Shaarad Navaratra at a Glance
Shaarad Navaratra is fixed by the lunar calendar to Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, the 1st tithi of the waxing (Shukla) fortnight of Ashwin.
- Tithi rule
- Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (Purnimanta)Shukla PratipadaAshwin month
- Tithi swami and group
- Agni · Nanda Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- Shraddha
Panchanga on This Day
Shaarad Navaratra · Oct 16, 2031
About Shaarad Navaratra
Sharad Navratri, the most widely celebrated Navratri, occurs during the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Ashvina month, typically in September or October. This nine-night festival is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine manifestations and culminates on Vijayadashami or Dussehra, celebrating the goddess's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The festival also symbolizes Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana, uniting the themes of feminine divine power and righteous heroism.
Each day of Sharad Navratri honors a distinct form of the goddess: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Devotees install the Kalash (Ghatasthapana), observe fasts, chant the Durga Saptashati, and participate in vibrant cultural events such as Garba and Dandiya, especially in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra. In West Bengal, Assam, and Odisha, the festival transforms into Durga Puja, marked by elaborately crafted idols, grand pandals, and community celebrations.
Sharad Navratri holds profound astrological and spiritual significance. It falls at the juncture of seasons when the Sun begins its southward journey (Dakshinayana), and the goddess's energy is believed to be most accessible. The festival is a time for inner purification, spiritual discipline, and seeking the Divine Mother's blessings for protection from negative forces, success in endeavors, and the awakening of higher consciousness.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Sharad Navratri involves nine days of Devi worship, fasting, scriptural recitation, Kanya Pujan, and celebration of the goddess's victory over evil.
- Perform Ghatasthapana on Pratipada during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat, installing a Kalash filled with water over a bed of barley seeds.
- Observe fasting for nine days; permitted foods include fruits, milk, Sabudana, Kuttu flour, Singhara flour, and rock salt dishes.
- Worship the daily form of Durga with the associated color and offerings, such as red flowers for Katyayani and white for Mahagauri.
- Recite the Durga Saptashati, Durga Chalisa, or Devi Kavach each day, preferably during morning or evening Puja.
- Maintain celibacy, avoid alcohol, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food, and speak truthfully throughout Navratri.
- On Ashtami or Navami, perform Kanya Pujan and Sandhi Puja; on Dashami, immerse the Kalash and celebrate Vijayadashami.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The Navratri fast is concluded on Dashami after Vijayadashami Puja, immersion of the Kalash, and distribution of Prasad.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Prepare the Ghatasthapana altar with barley seeds, a Kalash, mango leaves, and a coconut.
- Invoke Goddess Durga and perform daily Abhishekam, Alankar, and Aarti.
- Offer specific flowers and Naivedya according to the day's Devi form.
- Recite Durga Saptashati and perform Sandhi Puja during the Ashtami-Navami transition.
- On Dashami, perform Vijayadashami Puja and immerse the Kalash in clean water.
Vrat Katha: Durga's Victory Over Mahishasura
Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, performed severe austerities and received a boon from Lord Brahma that no man could kill him.
Armed with this invincibility, he defeated the gods and usurped the heavens, spreading chaos and oppression.
The Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—combined their powers to create Goddess Durga, the invincible warrior goddess.
After a fierce nine-day battle, Durga destroyed Mahishasura, restoring dharma and establishing her eternal protection over the cosmos.
Shaarad Navaratra: Frequently Asked Questions
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada; its swami is Agni, a Nanda Tithi.
Shukla Pratipada: 01:51 PM, Thu, Oct 16, 2031 to 01:00 PM, Fri, Oct 17, 2031 (IST).
Ashwin Shukla Pratipada: 06:56 PM, Mon, Oct 4, 2032 to 08:43 PM, Tue, Oct 5, 2032 (IST).
Shraddha, also on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada.
Sharad Navratri coincides with the post-monsoon harvest season and major regional festivals like Durga Puja and Dussehra, making it widely celebrated across India.
Sandhi Puja is performed during the 48-minute junction of Ashtami and Navami, believed to be the precise moment Durga killed Mahishasura and Chandika manifested.
Yes, devotees can observe the festival through daily Puja, chanting, visiting temples, and maintaining a satvik lifestyle even without strict fasting.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Ashwin
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
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Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.