Navratri 2024: Will Ashtami and Navami Coincide on October 11, 2024?

Navratri 2024: Durga Puja and Navratri are two highly celebrated festivals in Hinduism. Durga Puja lasts for five days, while Navratri is observed over nine days. In 2024, something special is happening: Ashtami and Navami will fall on the same day, October 11.

Dates and Times for Ashtami and Navami

• Ashtami Tithi begins: October 10, 2024, at 12:31 PM
• Ashtami Tithi ends: October 11, 2024, at 12:06 PM
• Navami Tithi begins: October 11, 2024, at 12:06 PM
• Navami Tithi ends: October 12, 2024, at 10:58 AM

Rituals of Navratri and Durga Puja

Both festivals include important rituals like Kumari Puja or Kanya Pujan, where young girls aged 8 to 12 are worshipped as embodiments of Goddess Durga. In Bengal, Kumari Puja is usually performed on Ashtami, while Kanya Pujan takes place on Navami.

Durga Puja 2024: Sandhi Puja

During Durga Puja, Sandhi Puja will start at 11:30 AM on October 11. This ritual marks the moment when the demon Mahishasura was defeated. It involves offering 108 lotuses and earthen lamps while chanting prayers to Goddess Chandi, a fierce form of Durga.

Celebrations Across India

Durga Puja and Navratri are celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, featuring grand festivities and rituals. The last day of the festival, known as Dussehra, symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Also read :Haryana Assembly Election Results 2024: BJP Wins Historic Third Term

This day commemorates Lord Rama's defeat of Ravana, and it is also called Vijaydashami, marking the farewell to Goddess Durga through Durga Visarjan (the immersion of the Durga idol).