Navratri, derived from Sanskrit words "Nav" meaning nine and "Ratri" meaning nights, is a Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days. It holds significant religious and cultural importance in Hinduism, particularly within the framework of Sanatana Dharma In Sanatana Dharma, Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine energy, often personified as Goddess Durga, Devi, or Shakti. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as it commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of righteousness over evil forces. Navratri is observed twice a year: Chaitra Navratri, which falls in the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra (usually in March-April), and Sharad Navratri, which occurs in the lunar month of Ashvin (usually in September-October). Among these, Sharad Navratri is the most widely celebrated. During Navratri, devotees observe fasting, perform special prayers, and participate in various cultural activities such as dance, music, and religious processions. Each day of Navratri is associated with the worship of different forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navadurga or the nine forms of Durga. These forms include Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Navratri culminates with the celebration of Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marking the triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as narrated in the epic Ramayana. In some regions, Dussehra also commemorates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura. In Sanatana Dharma, Navratri is not only a religious festival but also a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and renewal of faith. It brings communities together, fostering a sense of unity, devotion, and cultural heritage among Hindus worldwide.
Durga worshipped on those days:
Day 1: Pratipada (Shailaputri Puja):
Day 2: Dwitiya (Brahmacharini Puja):
Day 3: Tritiya (Chandraghanta Puja):
Day 4: Chaturthi (Kushmanda Puja):
Day 5: Panchami (Skandamata Puja):
Day 6: Shashti (Katyayani Puja):
Day 7: Saptami (Kalaratri Puja):
Day 8: Ashtami (Mahagauri Puja):
Day 9: Navami (Siddhidatri Puja):
Each day of Navratri holds its own significance and offers devotees an opportunity to connect with different aspects of divine feminine energy, seeking blessings for various aspects of life and spirituality.