The festival of Navratri is just around the corner. It holds a lot of significance in the Hindu culture. The vibrant and sacred festival celebrates divine feminine energy by worshipping Goddess Durga and all of her different forms. The festival begins on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin and is celebrated until Navami (ninth day).
This year, the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin will begin on October 3 at 12:19 AM and will continue until 2:58 AM on October 4. Based on the Udaya Tithi (the tithi prevailing at sunrise), Shardiya Navratri will commence on Thursday, October 3, 2024.
Each of these 9 days are dedicated to different forms of Goddess Durga. According to this, devotees pick their offerings.
- Day 1: Devi Shailaputri
- 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: Devi Mahagauri
- Day 9: Devi Siddhidatri
What To Offer To Each Goddess During Navratri?
The festival beautifully honours divine feminine energy. During these days, each goddess, represents distinct attributes and is worshipped with special offerings.
Maa Shailaputri
The first form of Durga is worshipped on this day. She adored white flowers, especially jasmine. Sugarcane offerings of cow’s milk are also considered auspicious.
Maa Brahmacharini
Offer her yellow flowers, especially Chrysanthemums and fruits like bananas. Turmeric is also her favourite offering.
Maa Chandraghanta
She favours red flowers, particularly red hibiscus. You can also make offers of sweets like Kheer and red fruits.
Maa Kushmanda
She adored pumpkin offerings and is known for her love of pumpkin. Red flowers and Malpua can also boffered to her.
Maa Skandamata
Skandamata prefers white flowers, roses and bananas. She is also fond of sandalwood incense and offers of Sooji/Atta Halwa.
Maa Katyayani
Offer her orange flowers, especially Marigolds and honey.
Maa Kaalratri
Kaalratri adores dark-coloured flowers and sesame seeds. You can also offer her black lentils and jaggery.
Maa Mahagauri
She favours white flowers like lotus. You can also offer her kheer and white sweets like Barfi.
Maa Siddhidatri
She appreciates yellow flowers, especially yellow roses. You can also offer her fruits like bananas.
