Maha Navami 2023: Date, Puja Muhurat and Significance of Navratri

Maha Navami is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu calendar. The word Navami means "nine" in Sanskrit, and this day is also known as Durga Navami. On this auspicious day, Goddess Durga will be worshipped as Mahisasuramardini, as it is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga killed the demon ‘Mahisasur’. This year, Maha Navami will be celebrated on October 23, 2023.

Origin and Mythology of Maha Navami

Maha Navami is considered an auspicious day for Hindus and is often spent in fasting, prayer and worship. Many Hindus also visit temples on this day to offer their prayers to the goddess Durga. The festival is also a time for feasting and celebrating; many special dishes are prepared on this day.

The origin of Maha Navami can be traced back to the epic battle between Goddess Durga and the buffalo demon Mahisasur and how she emerged victorious on the ninth day. It is believed to be the day when the Goddess fatally wounded the demon during a long battle. As well as being symbolic of the world around us, it illustrates the struggle between good and evil within each of us. 

Maha Navami Festivities 

On this day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Saraswati—the deity of knowledge and wisdom. In Southern India, Ayudha Puja is performed, honouring the tools and weapons used in our daily lives. We worship these objects as they are seen as the embodiment of the divine power helping us overcome our life's challenges. The festival also reminds us of the importance of using our skills and talents to serve the community and make the world a better place. 

In North and East India, in many places, Kanya Puja is performed on this day. Nine young girls are worshipped as incarnations of Goddess Durga. It is believed that by worshipping young girls, one can attain the blessings of Goddess Durga. It reminds us of the power of the feminine principle. Girls are dressed in new clothes and offered flowers, fruits, and sweets. This puja is performed on the eighth and ninth days of Navratri and is considered very auspicious and believed to bring good luck and prosperity. 

The festival is dedicated to the goddess Maha Gauri, believed to bestow prosperity and good health. During the festival, women make large, round, flower-filled discs called Bathukamma and offer them to the goddess. The Bathukamma is made of seasonal flowers, including jasmine, marigold, and Bakula. The discs are placed in the centre of a plate, and the plate is filled with water. After the puja, the Bathukammas are taken home and placed in the courtyard. 

Whereas, in Mysore, on this day, the Royal sword is worshipped and is taken out in processions on illustrated elephants and camels. 

Maha Navami in West Bengal 2023

In contrast to other Indian states, West Bengal observes Maha Navami Puja on a different day than the rest of the country. Most states observe it the day following Mahanavami, but some observe it one day earlier. In West Bengal, the Durga Puja festival ends on the third day of the festival with the celebration of Maha Navami, one of the most important festivals in Bengal. The Maha Navami celebrations begin with a ritual bath called a Mahasnan and are shortly followed by a special observance called a Shodashopachara Puja.

Maha Navami 2023 to 2030

The table below shows Maha Navami's dates between 2023 and 2030.