There is a lot to look forward to in the upcoming Navratri 2021. This nine-day festival to worship Goddess Durga is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin, which falls between September 23 and October 22 of the Gregorian calendar.

This month marks the beginning of Shardiya Navratri. Navratri (nine nights) signifies the duration of the festival. On Navratri, Hindus from across the world celebrate and worship the nine different forms of Goddess Durga.

Also read: Vishwakarma Puja 2021: Date, timings, history and more

The nine forms are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

When do we celebrate Navratri?

According to the Hindu calendar, the Shardiya Navratri will begin on October 7, 2021, and end on October 15, 2021.

The final three days — Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami — will begin with Ashtami falling on October 13. This is followed by Navami on October 14 and Dashami on October 15.

Also read: 2022 Okeechobee festival to be headlined by Tame Impala, Megan Thee Stallion and more

Here’s a list of the dates with the corresponding days of the festival:

October 7: Pratipada

October 8: Dwitiya

October 9: Tritiya and Chaturthi

October 10: Panchami

October 11: Shashti

October 12: Saptami

October 13: Ashtami

October 14: Navami

October 15: Dashami

On Dashami, October 15, the Vijay Muhurat falls between 1:59 pm and 2:46 pm, while Aparahna Puja is between 1:12 pm and 3:33 pm.

What are the significance of Navratri

Goddess Durga is worshipped by devotees with four Navratri fasts, every year. The four Navratri fasts are named after the Hindu seasons/months they fall in — Magha (Winter), Chaitra (Spring), Ashadha (Monsoon), and Sharad (Autumn). Of them, Sharad Navratri is considered to be the most prominent. For nine days, devotees observe fast and take part in religious rituals such as reading the Devi Mahatmyaham and performing puja.

According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Durga was created by the combined powers of various deities, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.