Navaratri
3 - October 12, Thursday – Saturday
During these nine days, devotees worship different aspects of Durga, including:
Shailaputri (daughter of the mountains) – the first manifestation, symbolizing purity and strength.
Brahmacharini (the one who observes asceticism) – embodying tranquility, knowledge, and devotion.
Chandraghanta (the goddess with a crescent moon) – brings peace and prosperity.
Kushmanda (the creator of the universe) – symbolizing creative energy.
Skandamata (mother of Skanda) – a protector and nurturing mother.
Katyayani (the warrior) – a fierce and powerful manifestation.
Kalaratri (the dark night) – represents the destruction of evil and demons.
Mahagauri (the one who grants peace) – symbolizes beauty and purity.
Siddhidatri (the giver of supernatural powers) – embodying perfection.
One of the main legends associated with Navratri is the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. According to the myth, Mahishasura received a blessing from the god Brahma that no man or god could defeat him. Confident in his invincibility, he caused chaos and terror. The gods then turned to Shakti, the divine feminine energy, who took the form of goddess Durga. After battling Mahishasura for nine days, she triumphed on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.
Navratri is a time of intense spiritual and cultural activities. Over the nine days and nights, devotees engage in prayers, rituals, fasting, and dances, as well as participate in various community and family events.
Traditions and rituals:
Worship of the goddess. Each day of the festival is dedicated to one of Durga's nine manifestations. Statues or images of the goddess are placed in homes and temples, where daily rituals are performed, including offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets.
Fasting and purification. One of the key traditions of Navratri is observing a fast. Depending on the region and religious customs, the fast can be strict or moderate. Some people abstain from food all day, eating only fruits and dairy products after sunset, while others avoid grains, consuming only simple fasting foods. Fasting symbolizes physical and spiritual purification, helping devotees focus on prayers and spiritual practices.
Dances and cultural events. Navratri is also known for its vibrant and energetic dances. In Western India, especially in Gujarat, large dance events called Garba and Dandiya are held. Garba is a circular dance performed to rhythmic music around a lamp or an image of the goddess, while Dandiya is a dance with sticks, symbolizing the battle between Durga and Mahishasura.
Victory over evil. On the tenth day of Navratri, Vijayadashami, effigies of the demon Ravana are symbolically burned, reminding people of the victory of Rama over Ravana in the epic "Ramayana" and Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Blessings for young girls. A unique aspect of Navratri celebrations is the worship of young girls, symbolizing divine femininity. This ritual, called Kanya Puja, involves inviting nine girls, representing the nine forms of the goddess, into the home, where they are offered food, gifts, and prayers.
Navaratri in other years
- 2022 September 26 - October 5, Monday – Wednesday
- 2023 15 - October 24, Sunday – Tuesday
- 2025 September 22 - October 1, Monday – Wednesday