Navratri

Introduction

Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms (Navadurga). The festival spans nine nights and ten days of intense devotion, fasting, and celebration. While four Navratris occur annually, the two most prominent are Sharad Navratri (in Ashvina month, September-October) and Chaitra Navratri (in Chaitra month, March-April). Each day honors one form of the Goddess: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

When It Is Celebrated

Sharad Navratri begins on the Pratipada (first day) of Shukla Paksha in Ashvina month and continues until Navami, typically falling in September or October. Chaitra Navratri begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, which also marks the Hindu New Year, and falls in March or April. The tenth day after Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Vijayadashami (Dussehra), commemorating the victory of good over evil, while Chaitra Navratri culminates in Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

Mythological Story

According to the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeya Purana, the demon Mahishasura defeated all the gods and seized control of the three worlds. Unable to vanquish him individually, the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, along with all the gods, combined their divine energies to create a supreme feminine power — Goddess Durga. Each god bestowed upon her their most powerful weapons: Shiva’s trident, Vishnu’s discus, Indra’s thunderbolt, and many more. Thus armed, Goddess Durga waged a fierce battle against Mahishasura and his demon army for nine days, finally slaying him on the tenth day. This victory is celebrated through Navratri and Vijayadashami.

Rituals and Celebrations

Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), the ceremonial installation of a sacred pot with barley seeds sown around it, symbolizing the invocation of the Goddess. Each day, the specific form of Durga is worshipped with red flowers, sindoor (vermillion), chunari (sacred cloth), cosmetics, and special offerings. Devotees recite the Durga Saptashati (700 verses in praise of Durga). Many observe strict fasting for all nine days, consuming only fruits and specific foods. On Ashtami or Navami, Kanya Pujan is performed, where nine young girls representing the nine goddesses are honored with a ceremonial meal. Regionally, Gujarat is famous for Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, while West Bengal celebrates with elaborate Durga Puja pandals.

Significance

Navratri holds profound spiritual significance as a celebration of Shakti (divine feminine energy). The festival underscores the supremacy of the feminine principle, teaching that when all the male gods could not defeat evil, it was the primordial Goddess who accomplished the task. The nine days of devotion serve as a period of spiritual purification and inner transformation. Each form of the Goddess represents specific virtues: courage, wisdom, serenity, creative power, maternal love, valor, destruction of negativity, purity, and spiritual perfection. Chaitra Navratri aligns with the rejuvenation of spring, while Sharad Navratri provides an opportunity for inward contemplation as nature transitions into autumn.