Shardiya Navratri 2020: Dates, importance, colours and significance

This year Shardiya Navratri would start from October 17, 2020 (Saturday) and would end on October 26, 2020 (Monday). Here is all you need to know.

India Today Web Desk
New Delhi
October 16, 2020
UPDATED: October 16, 2020 14:15 IST

Shardiya Navratri 2020: All you need to know | Representional image

Shardiya Navratri 2020: Navratri is an amalgamation of two words "Nav" + "Ratri" which means nine nights in English. Navratri is a 9-day Hindu festival dedicated to the supreme Goddess Durga. The festival of Navratri is celebrated with great pomp twice a year in major parts of Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.
According to the Hindu calendar, Navratri celebrated during the month of Ashvin, is known as Shardiya Navratri. It usually falls in the Gregorian months of September and October. Shardiya Navratri is the most popular and significant Navratri of all Navratris. Thus, Shardiya Navratri is also known as Maha Navratri.

Shardiya Navratri 2020: Date and day

This year Shardiya Navratri would start from October 17, 2020 (Saturday) and would end on October 26, 2020 (Monday). Durga Ashtami falls on October 24, 2020. Navami would be celebrated on October 25, 2020. Dashmi would be celebrated on October 26, 2020.

Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to an incarnation of Durga. After ninth day, the tenth day is celebrated as Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashmi, which marks the victory of Lord Ram over King Ravana.

On each day of Navratri devotees also get dressed in a specific colour. Here is a complete of date, day and colours associated with each day, have a look.

Shardiya Navratri 2020 | Representational image

NINE DAYS OF Shardiya Navratri 2020

Day 1, October 17, 2020 (Pratipada): Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja (Grey)

Day 2, October 18, 2020 (Dwitiya): Chandra Darshana, Brahmacharini Puja (Orange)

Day 3, October 19, 2020 (Tritiya): Sindoor Tritiya, Chandraghanta Puja (White)

Day 4, October 20, 2020 (Chaturthi): Kushmanda Puja, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Upang Lalita Vrat (Red)

Day 5, October 21, 2020 (Panchami): Skandamata Puja, Saraswati Avahan (Royal Blue)

Day 6, October 22, 2020 (Shasthi): Katyayani Puja, Saraswati Puja (Yellow)

Day 7, October 23, 2020 (Saptami): Maha Saptami, Kalaratri Puja (Green)

Day 8, October 24, 2020 (Asthami): Durga Ashtami, Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Maha Navami (Peacock Green)

Day 9, October 25, 2020 (Navami): Ayudha Puja, Navami Homa, Navratri Parana, Vijayadashami (Purple)

Day 10, October 25, 2020 (Dashami): Durga Visarjan

Shardiya Navratri 2020: Significance

Shardiya Navratri is a nine-day festival that signifies the victory of good over evil. It is believed that worshipping Goddess Durga during Shardiya Navratri can help get salvation and seek her blessings for the future. Goddess Durga is a symbol of Shakti which means ultimate strength.