Navratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights in honor of Goddess Durga and her victory over evil. Each day is dedicated to one of her nine forms, with rituals, fasting, prayers, and mantras performed to seek blessings. Navratri symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is observed across India with diverse traditions, vibrant attire, and devotional practices.
The word Navratri comes from Sanskrit nava meaning “nine” and ratri meaning “nights.” The festival marks nine nights of devotion to Goddess Durga, followed by a tenth day known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
According to Hindu scriptures such as the Devi Mahatmya and Durga Saptashati, Navratri commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. After a fierce battle lasting nine days, Durga defeated Mahishasura, restoring peace and balance in the universe.
Fasting, prayers, and rituals are performed to invite strength, wisdom, and prosperity while reflecting on the universal message: good always triumphs over evil.
In 2026, Navratri will be celebrated from 11th October 2026, Sunday / रविवार – 20th October 2026, Tuesday / मंगलवार
According to a few Hindu texts, including the Vaishnava Puranas and the Shakta, there are actually two or four seasons where Navratri is celebrated. The most prominent and observed of the Navratri festivals is the Sharada Navaratri, referred to in the Hindu calendar as the months of Ashwin and Ashwayuja respectively.
While most people associate Navratri with the grand autumn celebration, Hindu texts describe four seasonal Navratris observed at different times of the year. Each holds spiritual significance, but two are most widely celebrated:
🔸Celebrated during September–October, near the autumn equinox.
🔸Considered the most prominent Navratri, it culminates in Dussehra.
🔸Worship focuses on Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
🔸Observed during March–April, around the time of Chaitra month.
🔸Associated with the start of the Hindu New Year in several regions.
🔸Devotees worship Durga and also honor Lord Rama in many traditions.
🔸Celebrated in January–February.
🔸Lesser known and often observed by select communities with regional practices.
🔸Takes place in June–July.
🔸Mostly observed by spiritual seekers and devotees engaged in penance and meditation.
The worship of the Divine Feminine and the victory of good over evil. However, local customs, rituals, and cultural expressions make every Navratri unique.
Regardless of the specific time of year that the Navaratri is celebrated, all of the festivals celebrate the triumph of good over evil, and specifically, are in honor of the noble Hindu goddess Durga and her victory over the malicious Mahishasura.
Performing Pooja Vidhi during Navratri is a sacred way to invite Goddess Durga’s blessings. While traditions vary across regions, the following step-by-step guide outlines the common rituals:
Begin on Day 1 by placing a clay pot filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut.
The Kalash represents prosperity and divine energy.
Clean the altar or designated area.
Place an idol or picture of Goddess Durga.
Light a diya (lamp) using ghee or oil.
Fresh flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense are offered daily.
Each day corresponds to a different color and form of Durga, so devotees often align their offerings accordingly.
Mantra chanting (Jaap) is central to Navratri worship. Devotees use a Mantra Jaap Mala (rosary beads) to recite mantras 108 times daily.
Examples include:
Durga Beej Mantra: “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche” invokes strength and protection.
Navratri Aarti: Sung each evening to honor the goddess.
Many devotees fast during Navratri, consuming only satvik food (milk, fruits, nuts).
Fasting is believed to purify body and mind while deepening devotion.
Families gather for evening prayers.
Traditional bhajans (devotional songs) are sung to praise Durga Maa.
Young girls (symbolizing the nine forms of Durga) are worshipped and offered food, gifts, and blessings.
Considered an essential ritual to conclude Navratri.
9" Mother Goddess Durga in Brass | Handmade | Made In India
Each day of the festival has a particular significance and are all dedicated to Durga and her nine avatars (Navadurga). Mantras for all nine days are also mentioned below, Perform them during the pooja with Mantra Jaap Mala. These days are known by the following:
It means daughter of the King of Mountains (Shaila-Mountain, Putri- Daughter). She has two hands displacing a lotus and a trident and is sitting atop a bull. The earliest iteration of the Hindu goddess Durga, Shailaputri, is honoured on the first day of the nine-day Navratri festival.
From the two terms "Shaila" (mountain) and "putri" (daughter), the word "Shailaputri" is derived. Given that she is the Himalayas' daughter, Shailaputri is sometimes referred to as Parvati or Hemavati. She is revered by followers who pray to her for fortitude, bravery, and blessings for a joyous and prosperous life. Devotees fast and pray to Shailaputri during Navratri to obtain her blessings.
In this form, she holds a "Kumbha" or water pot in one hand and a rosary in the other. She is a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom. She is adorned in Rudraksha. The Hindu goddess Brahmacharini is honoured on the second day of the nine-day Navratri festival. She is Durga's second manifestation. The words "Brahma" and "charini," which signify one who practises or adheres to, are combined to form the term "Brahmacharini."
According to legend, Brahmacharini represents wisdom, virtue, and penance. Devotees worship her in order to obtain benefits for spiritual development, purity, and wisdom. Devotees fast and pray to Brahmacharini during Navratri to obtain her blessings. Worshipping Brahmacharini is seen to aid in conquering challenges and obtaining success in one's endeavours.
Chandraghanta means supreme bliss and knowledge. mounted on a tiger, she has ten hands and 3 eyes. Eight of Her hands display weapons while the remaining two are respectively in the mudras of gestures of boon giving and stopping harm. The third incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga, Chandraghanta, is celebrated on the third day of the nine-day Navratri festival. Chandra, which means moon, and ghanta, which means bell, are the roots of the word "Chandraghanta."
She goes by the names Chandika, Rannchandi, and Durga as well. Chandraghanta is seen as a representation of boldness, tenacity, and courage. Devotees worship her in order to obtain blessings for security and conquering hurdles and fear. Devotees fast and pray to Chandraghanta during Navratri to obtain her blessings. It is thought that Chandraghanta worship helps to drive away evil spirits and gives prosperity and tranquilly.
The 4th night begins the worship of Maa "Kushmanda", who possess eight arms, holding weapons and a rosary. Her mount is a tiger and She emanates a solar like aura." On the fourth day of the nine-day Navratri festival, Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of the Hindu goddess Durga, is worshipped. Three words are used to create the term "Kushmanda": "Ku" (which means a bit), "ushma" (which denotes warmth or energy), and "anda" (which means egg).
Kushmanda therefore refers to the person who formed the universe as an egg out of a small amount of heat and energy. Kushmanda is regarded as a representation of energy and light. Devotees worship her in order to obtain blessings for power, health, and prosperity. Devotees fast and pray to Kushmanda during Navratri to obtain her blessings. Worshipping Kushmanda is thought to improve one's health, bring happiness, and bring success in life.
In this form, Maa Durga holds her son Kartikey also known as "Skand" in her lap while displaying 3 eyes and 4 hands; two hands hold lotuses while the other 2 hands respectively display defending and granting gestures. The terms "mother of Skanda" and "mata," which make up the name Skandamata, are the origins of the name. According to Hindu mythology, Skandamata is Skanda's mother.
Skanda was created from Lord Shiva's energy. Skandamata is said to provide power, bravery, and wisdom upon her believers. It is said that honouring Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri helps one create a stronger bond with their mother and a sense of duty towards their family. "Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah"
She is named Katyayani as she had stayed in the ashram of sage Katyayan for penance. This 6th Shakti is also astride a lion with three eyes and four arms. One left-hand holds a weapon and the other a lotus. The other 2 hands respectively display defending and granting gestures.
Katyayani, who is revered for her bravery, power, and ability to defeat her foes, is thought to be Durga's warrior form. On the sixth day of Navratri, worshipping Katyayani is thought to aid in overcoming challenges, triumphing in conflicts, and finding success. "Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah"
Worshipped on the seventh night, Maa Kalaratri is the cleanser of darkness and ignorance. she has black skin plenteous l hair and four hands, two clutching a cleaver and a torch, while the remaining two are in the mudras of "giving" and "protecting". She is mounted upon a Donkey. The words "time" and "night" in the name Kaalaratri, Kala and Ratri, are the origins of the name. She also goes by the name Shubhankari, which translates to "one who does good."
According to Hindu mythology, Kaalaratri is the destroyer of darkness and ignorance as well as the one who bestows wisdom, fortitude, and protection upon her believers. The demon Raktabija, who had the ability to double himself each time a drop of his blood fell to the ground, was slain by the goddess Durga in the form of Kaalaratri, according to legend. According to legend, Kaalaratri drank Raktabija's blood to keep it from touching the ground and end his power. "Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah"
This form of Shakti radiates peace and compassion. She is dressed in a white or green sari and holds a drum and a trident on two hands. She is often depicted riding a bull. On the eighth day of Navratri, a nine-day celebration honouring Goddess Durga in all of her manifestations, she is worshipped.
Mahagauri is portrayed as a lovely woman with four arms who is mounted on a white bull. She is viewed as a representation of innocence, tranquilly, and peace. The words "Maha" and "Gauri" both imply great or extreme, which symbolises the purity and beauty of the subject. Mahagauri is revered because it is thought to bring happiness, prosperity, and calm into one's life. Mantra: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah
Ensconced upon a lotus, most commonly, with 4 arms, and is the possessor of 26 different wishes to grant Her bhaktas. Maa Siddhidatri's famous pilgrim centre, is located in Nanda Parvat in the Himalayas. Hindu deity Siddhidatri is the goddess Durga's ninth and last manifestation. On the ninth day of Navratri, an Indian celebration that lasts nine days and honours Goddess Durga in all of her manifestations, she is honoured.
One is said to be able to achieve self-realization and be freed from the cycle of birth and death by adoring her. Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Goddess Durga is revered as the embodiment of Shakti (divine feminine energy). Her characteristics reflect both fierce protection and compassionate nurturing. Here are the core qualities associated with Durga Mata:
Durga Mata is considered to be the embodiment of power and strength. She is often shown carrying weapons such as a sword or trident to represent her ability to destroy evil forces.
Example : In the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, Durga Mata is invoked by Lord Rama to help him defeat the demon king Ravana and his army.
Durga Mata is also known for her protective nature. She is believed to shield her devotees from harm and to provide them with courage and strength to face challenges.
Example : In the Durga Saptashati, a Hindu scripture dedicated to Durga Mata, there are stories of how she protected her devotees from various threats, including demons and natural disasters.
Despite her fierce form, Durga Mata is also revered for her compassion and kindness towards her devotees.
Example : In the Navratri festival, which is dedicated to Durga Mata, devotees fast and pray to seek her blessings for happiness and prosperity.
Durga Mata is also considered to be the embodiment of wisdom and knowledge.
Example : In the Devi Mahatmya, another Hindu scripture dedicated to Durga Mata, there are stories of how she imparted knowledge and wisdom to her devotees and helped them overcome ignorance and delusion.
Eighteen Armed Bronze Goddess Durga Statue Standing on Bull with Lion
The Navratri involves the practice of different customs and rituals. In fact, different regions in India observe the festival in different ways. While some devotees honor the festival with feasting, other devotees, on the other hand, follow one of the most common practices of fasting for all nine days. Aside from this, other festival rituals include praying to the Goddess Durga, singing devotional hymns, offering sweets, fruits, and gifts, as well as visiting family members.
From Goa to Gujarat, North India to West Bengal, Bihar to Karnataka, and across other regions all over the country, many varying traditional practices, spiritual customs, and festive celebrations are observed. Aside from these, those celebrating the festival also pay particular attention to their attire throughout the nine days of Navratri. Different colors have particular significance and should be worn on specific days.
Throughout the festival, devotees don their best ethnic attires that feature eye-catching designs, rich colors, and vibrant ornamentations to reflect the joyous triumph of goddess Durga and good over evil. While many different festivals and celebrations are observed in India, the Navratri is undoubtedly one of the most important and significant in the country’s rich culture.
Navratri is a celebration of faith, culture, and unity. While the rituals may differ across regions, the core essence remains the same: the victory of good over evil and the worship of the divine feminine energy (Shakti). Each day dedicated to Goddess Durga reminds us of the values - courage, purity, love, and knowledge. Whether celebrated with fasting, dance, devotion, or community gatherings, Navratri continues to inspire millions, uniting people across regions and the world in the eternal message of victory of light over darkness.
🔸Navratri is a Hindu festival spanning nine nights, honoring Goddess Durga.
🔸The word “Navratri” means “nine nights” in Sanskrit.
🔸Each day worships one of Durga’s nine avatars (Shailaputri to Siddhidatri).
🔸Rituals include fasting, mantra chanting, and Pooja Vidhi.
🔸Regional traditions vary from Garba dances in Gujarat to Durga Puja in Bengal.
🔸Navratri symbolizes victory of good over evil, celebrated nationwide.
🔸Colors, attire, and mantras differ for each of the nine days.
Navratri is a Hindu festival honoring Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
Navratri lasts for nine nights and ten days, each dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
On Day 1, Goddess Shailaputri, the daughter of the Himalayas, is worshipped. She represents strength and purity.
Devotees fast, perform Pooja Vidhi, chant mantras, offer flowers and sweets, and wear specific colors associated with each day.
Fasting during Navratri is believed to purify the body and mind, while seeking divine blessings from Goddess Durga.
In Gujarat, Navratri is marked with Garba dance; in West Bengal, it coincides with Durga Puja; in North India, fasting and Ram Leela plays are common.
They include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
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