The vibrant and joyous festival of Navratri, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is set to begin on Thursday, October 3, 2024. This nine-day festival is marked by fasting, cultural gatherings, and celebrations like Garba and Dandiya. Each day of Navratri is devoted to different manifestations of Goddess Durga, also known as 'Aadishakti'. The first day is dedicated to Goddess Maa Shailputri, who represents the embodiment of purity and strength.

Here's everything you need to know about Navratri Day 1, from the auspicious colour to the puja timings and other essential details.

Navratri Day 1: Worship of Goddess Maa Shailputri

The first day of Navratri honours Maa Shailputri, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Her name, "Shailputri," is derived from Sanskrit, where "Shail" means rock or mountain, and "Putri" means daughter. As the daughter of the mountains, Maa Shailputri is often associated with stability, strength, and positivity. Her radiant presence is said to glow as brightly as the sun and moon combined.

Maa Shailputri rides on a bull named Nandi, symbolizing power and endurance. In her two hands, she holds a trident and a lotus, while the crescent moon adorns her forehead, reflecting her divine grace and tranquility.

Puja Timings and Ghatasthapana Muhurat

The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat, which marks the beginning of the Navratri puja rituals, will start early in the morning on October 3, 2024. The precise timings are as follows:

Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:30 AM to 7:31 AM
Abhijit Muhurat: 12:03 PM to 12:51 PM

These timings are considered ideal for performing the traditional rituals and invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga on the first day of Navratri.

Auspicious Colour for Day 1

The auspicious colour for Day 1 of Navratri 2024 is Orange. Wearing orange on the first day is believed to bring positivity, energy, and warmth. This vibrant colour symbolizes the enthusiasm and joy that marks the beginning of this spiritual journey.

Each day of Navratri has a corresponding colour, and the first day's colour is determined by the day of the week when the festival begins. For 2024, Navratri begins on a Thursday, and thus, orange is the chosen colour. The remaining days of Navratri will also have their unique colours, selected based on the corresponding weekday.

As Navratri 2024 begins, devotees across the country will immerse themselves in prayer, fasting, and celebrations, seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga in her many forms. Day 1, dedicated to Maa Shailputri, sets the tone for this sacred period, with auspicious rituals and traditions being observed. Whether it's the vibrant colour of orange or the early morning puja timings, following these customs ensures a spiritually fulfilling start to this revered festival.

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