Every autumn Navratri marks the of nine-days-long Hindu festival wherein Goddess Durga is worshipped in each of her nine forms, with the festival culminating in Dussehra – on the tenth day of festivities. Navratri 2017 will be celebrated between 21 September and 30 September.
Navratri is celebrated with much fanfare across the country, albeit in different ways, with the most flamboyant celebrations taking place in Gujarat. In fact, the Gujarati garba or dandiya nights – with dancers donning colourful clothes – during Navratri have become a hallmark of the festivities. The modern rendition of garba ie disco dandiya has also assumed centrestage in Navratri festivals especially in parts of western India such as Mumbai. North India hosts Ramlila plays to mark the celebrations. Navratri is also marked by fasting and abstaining from liquor.
Here are the complete details of Navratri 2017:
The Nine Days of Navratri
The goddesses worshipped during Navratri are all forms of Goddess Durga. Each of the nine days also has a designated colour which the devotees prefer to wear on the day. These colours are green, blue, red, orange, yellow, indigo, violet, pink and tints and hues of golden.
When is Navratri in 2017?
Day 1: Pratipada (21 September 2017)
Goddess Shailputri is worshipped on this day.
Day 2: Dwitiya (22 September 2017)
Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on this day.
Day 3: Tritiya (23 September 2017)
Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on this day.
Day 4: Chaturthi (24 September 2017)
Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on this day.
Day 5: Panchami (25 September 2017)
Goddess Skandamta is worshipped on this day.
Day 6: Shasthi (26 September 2017)
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on this day.
Day 7: Saptami (27 September 2017)
Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on this day.
Day 8: Ashtami (28 September 2017)
Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on this day.
Day 9: Navami (29 September 2017)
Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on this day.
Day 10: Dussehra (30 September 2017)
Significance of Dussehra
Signifying the victory of good over evil, Dussehra brings an end to the Navratra festivities. One of the most popular legends of Dussehra goes back to the Ramayana. As per the story, it was on this day that Rama killed Ravana for abducting his wife Sita. Due to this, the festival is celebrated by burning the effigies of Ravana in the evening.
Cultural programmes are organised on Dussehra with dance, songs and lots to eat. Children can be seen running around dressed as vanara sena with bow and arrows in their hands. Ramleela is organised in various parts of the country which is an enactment of the folklore of Ramayana.
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