Sun Oct 06 08:51:26 UTC 2024: ## Navratri 2024: Fourth Day of Shardiya Navratri Celebrated on October 7th, Not 6th
**New Delhi:** The auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri commenced on October 3rd, 2024. While the fourth day of Navratri is traditionally observed on the fourth day of the bright fortnight of Ashwin month, this year the date has shifted due to the timing of the Chaturthi tithi.
The Chaturthi tithi begins at 7:49 AM on October 6th and ends at 9:47 AM on October 7th. As the tithi does not begin at sunrise, the fourth day of Navratri will be celebrated on October 7th.
**Worship of Maa Kushmanda**
On this day, devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga. According to scriptures, Maa Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her gentle smile. She is depicted with eight arms, holding a rosary, bow and arrow, pot of nectar, lotus, a full pot of nectar, a discus, and a mace.
**Significance of Worshipping Maa Kushmanda**
Maa Kushmanda is believed to bring prosperity, happiness, and liberation from all suffering. Devotees offer yellow flowers, especially the lotus, to appease the goddess.
**Puja Vidhi:**
* Wake up before sunrise and complete your daily chores.
* Remove any old flowers or offerings from the previous day.
* Offer prayers to Goddess Durga and her various forms.
* Offer sindoor, flowers, garlands, akshata, kumkum, roli, and the auspicious offering of malpuas to Maa Kushmanda.
* Offer green cardamom and fennel seeds.
* Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks.
* Recite Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptshati, and mantras dedicated to Maa Kushmanda.
* Perform aarti and seek forgiveness for any mistakes.
**Mantras:**
* **“Sura Sampurn Kalashan Rudhirapluta Meva Cha. Dhadhana Hastapadmabhyam Kushmanda Shubhastu Me.”**
* **“Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu Ma Kushmanda Roopena Sansthita. Namas Tasyai Namas Tasyai Namas Tasyai Namo Namah.”**
* **Kushmanda Beej Mantra: “Aim Hri Devi Namaha.”**
**Disclaimer:** The information provided above is based on religious beliefs and is intended for informational purposes only. News24 does not endorse or validate the information.
First Piper 