Navratri 2024: Timings, Items and Procedure for Kalash Placement

For the 2024 Shardiy Navratri, the Kalash installation must be performed between 6:19 am and 10:12 am on 11 October, with the Abhijit Muhurat from 11:44 am to 12:31 pm. Essential materials include an earthen pot with a broad mouth, fresh soil, barley seeds, a metal Kalash, Ganga water, pure water, a coin, betel nut, whole rice (akshat), turmeric, a rope, five or seven mango or ashoka leaves, a fresh coconut, red cloth, flowers, fruits, sweets, cardamom, cloves, and a ghee lamp.

The procedure starts with a thorough cleaning of the puja space, laying the red cloth, and setting up the goddess’s image. Sprinkle Ganga water for purification, then place the earthen pot with soil and barley, cover lightly with more soil, and mist with water. The Kalash is tied, filled with water, and packed with auspicious items. Leaves are placed on the mouth, a coconut crowns the Kalash, and it is positioned beside the barley pot. Light the ghee lamp, present the offerings, chant Durga’s mantras, and perform the aarti. The sprouting barley over nine days symbolizes abundance and a favorable start to the Navratri celebrations.