Maha Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Ashwin month. Maha Navami 2024 date is October 12. It is the ninth and the final day of nine-day Navratri Festival. Mahanavami is also the penultimate day of Durga Puja. Navami 2024 date during Chaitra/Vasant Navratri (March - April) is April 16.
InSouth India , Maha Navami is observed as Ayudha Puja. All books, utensils and tools are kept for puja. People do not touch them. They are taken after puja on the Vijayadashami day.
The Sandhi Puja which is observed on the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami overlaps into the Mahanavami puja day. This ritual is very popular in North and Eastern parts of India.
In some regions, Kumari Puja is performed on the day.
A unique ritual on the day is the Vijaya ceremony. People embrace each other and forgive and forget past offenses and promise a new beginning.
Kadamati is another unique ritual that is performed by some communities. The members of the family lie down before Goddess Durga idol and sing the praise of the Goddess.
Story of Navami
It is believed that Goddess Durga killed Demon Mahishasura on the day.Various Rituals Observed on Mahanavami
The rituals associated with Navratri Maha Navami vary from region to region.In
The Sandhi Puja which is observed on the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami overlaps into the Mahanavami puja day. This ritual is very popular in North and Eastern parts of India.
In some regions, Kumari Puja is performed on the day.
A unique ritual on the day is the Vijaya ceremony. People embrace each other and forgive and forget past offenses and promise a new beginning.
Kadamati is another unique ritual that is performed by some communities. The members of the family lie down before Goddess Durga idol and sing the praise of the Goddess.
Mahanavami in Durga Puja
Maha Navami rituals are the final rituals associated with Durga Puja. The next day is Durga Murti Visarjan or immersion.
Agni and numerous gods and goddesses, minor deities, guardian deities that are invoked during the Durga Puja are given farewell on Navami. The priests are given Dakshina during the course of Navami day.
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Animal Sacrifice
In some regions, animal sacrifice is held on the day. But this ritual is discouraged by many people today and is also banned by the government. But it is still held in rural regions and famous Durga Mata and Kali Mata Temple
In some rural areas, a large number of goats are sacrificed – a continuation of Ashtami day. But today people have realized the futility of animal sacrifice and there is a reduction in the number of sacrifices performed considering the earlier period. The sacrifice ritual is also performed in Nepal as part of the Navami day during Dashain.