Navratri: The Festival of Nine Nights

Meaning: The word Navratri comes from Sanskrit — “nava” means nine, “ratri” means nights. So, Navratri is literally the “nine nights.”
When: It’s celebrated twice a year — Chaitra Navratri (around March/April) and Sharadiya Navratri (around September/October). The autumn Sharad Navratri is especially important.

Navratri honors the Divine Feminine (Shakti), especially in her forms as **Goddess Durga, Lakshmi,** and **Saraswati**.
The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. In one of the most well-known legends, **Goddess Durga defeats the buffalo demon Mahishasura** after a fierce battle.
During these nine days, people **fast, meditate, chant mantras**, and actively **purify their mind and body** as part of a spiritual renewal.

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): The ceremony that marks the beginning. A pot (Kalash or Ghata) is filled with water, placed on grains or soil, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut, often tied with red cloth. It symbolizes invoking the divine presence.
Offering bhog/prasad: Devotees prepare special vegetarian food, fruits, sweets etc., which are offered to the Goddess. On each of the nine days, a different avatar of Durga is worshipped, often with a particular type of food or bhog associated.
Fasting: Many observe fasts — some strict (only fruits or one meal a day), others partial. The aim is purification.
Daily puja, aarti, mantras: Morning and evening worship, cleansing of home, decorating the altar.
Kanya Puja / Kanjak: On the 8th or 9th day, nine young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the nine goddesses; they are given gifts, food, and honoured.

Each of the nine days celebrates a different form (avatar) of Goddess Durga, known as the **Navadurga** — Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Devotees wear a specific colour each day, believing it brings particular blessings associated with that goddess.

Navratri is celebrated all over India, but the way people observe it varies widely:

Gujarat / Western India: Garba and Dandiya Raas nights are very prominent. Loud joyous music, dances in circles, colorful costumes, community participation.
Tamil Nadu / South India: ‘Golu’ or ‘Kolam’ or Bommai Golu — steps or platforms are arranged with dolls/figurines depicting gods, mythological scenes, animals etc. Women invite friends, share haldi‑kumkum, exchange gifts.
East (West Bengal, Assam, etc.): Celebrated as Durga Puja — elaborate pandals, artistic idols, cultural performances, immersion of idols on the last day (Dashami).
North India: Ramlila performances leading up to Vijayadashami / Dussehra; burning of effigies of Ravana etc., processions.
Other states have their own local traditions, songs, dances, offerings.

Sharadiya Navratri 2025 begins on 22 September and continues for nine days, culminating with Dussehra (Vijaya Dashami) on 2 October.
On the first day, devotees perform **Ghatasthapana** at the auspicious muhurat and worship **Maa Shailputri**.
Each day, they offer a special **bhog** dedicated to one of the nine forms of the goddess.

Navratri brings together devotion, mythology, art, community, and culture. People don’t just worship they gather, share food, dance, decorate their homes, create art, and exchange gifts.
Many use the festival as a spiritual reset, choosing to fast, pray, and meditate to reflect and purify their lives.
Across India, people celebrate Navratri in diverse ways. While the core focus remains the same worshipping the goddess and celebrating the triumph of good over evil each region expresses it in its own vibrant style.

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