Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
The festival represents the victory of divine feminine energy over demonic forces.
Strict fasting for 9 days. Avoid grains (rice, wheat), lentils, salt (use sendha namak), onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food. Eat fruits, milk, yogurt, potatoes, sabudana, kuttu, and samak. Drink plenty of water and coconut water. Many observe nirjala fast on Ashtami or Navami.
Each day worship a different form of Maa Durga. Set up a Kalash (sacred pot) with coconut. Light an akhand deep (continuous lamp). Offer red flowers, bangles, and sindoor. Recite Durga Saptashati. On Ashtami, perform Kanya Pujan (worship 9 young girls as forms of Durga). On Navami, perform Havan and offer prasad. On Dashami (Dussehra), immerse the idol. Daily: sing bhajans, perform aarti, and distribute prasad.
Navratri commemorates the nine-day battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura. Mahishasura, who had a boon of invincibility, terrorized the three worlds. The gods combined their energies to create Goddess Durga, who was endowed with weapons from all deities. She fought Mahishasura for ten days. On the tenth day (Vijayadashami), she killed the demon, restoring peace and righteousness. The nine nights of battle are celebrated as Navratri. Each night represents a different form of the Goddess: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Ph.D. in Vedic Studies from Banaras Hindu University with 15 years of experience in Hindu astrology and festival research.
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