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Navaratri—literally “nine nights”—is one of Bharat’s most-loved festivals, a collective bow to the Divine Feminine (Shakti) in her myriad forms. In 2025, Sharadiya Navaratri begins on Monday, September 22 with Ghatasthapana (Kalasha installation) and concludes on Wednesday, October 1. The tenth day, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), falls on Thursday, October 2, celebrated as the triumph of Dharma over adharma. Across these ten days the outer festival mirrors an inner journey: from effort and purification to grace and victory.
Why we celebrate
At the heart of Navaratri is the Devi Mahatmya—the story of Goddess Durga who battles and overcomes the asuric forces led by Mahishasura. The narrative is not only cosmic; it is psychological and practical. The “demons” are impatience, confusion, lethargy, doubt, fear—habits that drain our vitality. By invoking the Devi’s nine forms (Navadurga), we consciously cultivate their corresponding virtues: steadiness, discipline, courage, creative energy, nurturing love, righteous force, fearlessness, serenity, and consummate wisdom.
The nine days and their inner meanings
While traditions vary, many devotees align each day with one form of Durga and a quality to practice:
Shailaputri (Day 1): Shailaputri, literally “Daughter of the Mountain” (born as Parvati to King Himavan), is the first form of Navadurga. She rides the sacred bull Nandi, carrying a lotus in one hand and a trident in the other. Symbolizing purity, stability, and rootedness, she represents the power of beginnings and the grounding force of nature. Worshipping Shailaputri invokes strength, determination, and a firm foundation for spiritual progress.
Brahmacharini (Day 2): Brahmacharini, the second form of Navadurga, embodies deep devotion, penance, and inner discipline. She is depicted walking barefoot, holding a rosary (japamala) in one hand and a water pot (kamandalu) in the other. Symbolizing perseverance and austerity, she recalls Goddess Parvati’s intense tapasya to attain Lord Shiva. Worshipping Brahmacharini blesses devotees with clarity, patience, and spiritual strength, helping them overcome difficulties through steadfast faith and self-control.
Chandraghanta (Day 3): Chandraghanta, the third form of Navadurga, is revered as the goddess of bravery and serenity. She adorns a crescent moon (chandra) shaped like a bell (ghanta) on her forehead, symbolizing divine sound that dispels negativity. Riding a tiger or lion, she carries weapons in ten hands, ready to battle evil, yet radiates compassion to her devotees. Worship of Chandraghanta grants courage, fearlessness, and harmony, protecting devotees from obstacles and inner turmoil.
Kushmanda (Day 4): Kushmanda, the fourth form of Navadurga, is celebrated as the cosmic creatrix who brought light into the dark void. Her name means “the one who created the universe with her smile.” She rides a lion and is depicted with eight or ten hands holding weapons, rosary, and a nectar-filled pot. She radiates boundless energy, nourishing creation itself. Worshipping Kushmanda blesses devotees with vitality, creativity, and prosperity, while dispelling sorrow and disease.
Skandamata (Day 5): Skandamata, the fifth form of Navadurga, is worshipped as the compassionate mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya). She is depicted seated on a lotus, carrying her divine son on her lap, and riding a lion. With four arms, she holds lotuses and grants blessings of peace and prosperity. Skandamata represents selfless motherly love, protection, and devotion. Worshipping her bestows wisdom, harmony in family life, and liberation through the grace of the Divine Mother.
Katyayani (Day 6): Katyayani, the sixth form of Navadurga, is the fierce warrior goddess born to sage Katyayana after his penance. She rides a lion and wields a sword, trident, and lotus, radiating power and righteousness. It was in this form that the Devi destroyed Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of dharma over adharma. Worship of Katyayani grants courage, willpower, and protection from negativity. She is also invoked by young devotees seeking an ideal life partner.
Kalaratri (Day 7): Kalaratri, the seventh form of Navadurga, is the fiercest and most protective aspect of the Goddess. Dark in complexion, with disheveled hair, three eyes glowing like lightning, and a necklace of thunder, she rides a donkey and carries a sword and iron hook. Despite her fearsome form, she is known as Shubhankari—the bringer of auspiciousness—destroying demons, fears, and ignorance. Worshipping Kalaratri grants fearlessness, inner strength, and swift removal of obstacles.
Mahagauri (Day 8): Mahagauri, the eighth form of Navadurga, embodies purity, serenity, and compassion. Her name means “extremely fair” or radiant, symbolizing the brilliance of inner stillness and cleansing grace. Depicted riding a bull and carrying a trident and drum, she is the youthful, gentle form of Parvati who attained great penance to unite with Shiva. Worship of Mahagauri removes past karmic impurities, bestows peace, harmony, and grants devotees spiritual progress along with domestic happiness.
Siddhidatri (Day 9): Siddhidatri, the ninth and final form of Navadurga, is worshipped as the granter of all siddhis (spiritual powers and perfections). She sits gracefully on a lotus or lion, holding a discus, conch, mace, and lotus in her four hands. Surrounded by gods, sages, and devotees, she fulfills aspirations and removes ignorance. Siddhidatri symbolizes ultimate wisdom, completeness, and divine realization. Worshipping her brings success, spiritual advancement, and liberation, completing the Navaratri journey of transformation.
Key rites and gentle observances
Navaratri begins with Ghatasthapana: a sanctified pot (kalasha) filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut placed atop—invoking the Devi’s presence for nine days. A small lamp (akhanda deepa) is lit, symbolizing unwavering awareness. Many recite the Devi Mahatmya, chant the Durga Kavach, or simply offer flowers, incense, and heartfelt aarti morning and evening.
Fasting styles vary: some take fruit, milk, or saatvik meals once or twice a day; others refrain from onion, garlic, and heavy grains. If health limits strict fasting, keep the essence: eat light, speak kindly, work honestly, rest adequately, and offer every action as worship. Even a short daily japa—“Om Dum Durgāyai Namah” or “Ya Devi Sarva-Bhuteshu” verses—anchors the mind.
Colours, music, and community
Many follow a nine-colour sequence (local lists vary) to embody the day’s mood—yellow for joy, white for peace, red for energy, etc. In Gujarat, garba and dandiya circle around the lamped altar—devotion dancing as a community. In Bengal, the last four days (Saptami–Dashami) bring Durga Puja: artistic pandals, pushpanjali, dhunuchi dance, and on Dashami, visarjan with the cry “Aasche bochor abar hobe”—may She return next year!
Vijayadashami: the living victory
On the tenth day, Vijayadashami, we honor the Devi’s victory and recommit to living by Dharma. Traditions include:
Aparajita Puja or worship of tools (Ayudha Puja): books, instruments, devices—recognizing work as sacred.
Shami/Vijaya darshan and exchange of auspicious leaves (in some regions), symbolizing prosperity.
Commencing new learning (Vidyarambham) for children—writing the first letters on rice, invoking Saraswati’s blessing.
How to align your nine nights (practical guide)
One sankalpa: pick a single virtue—clarity, compassion, or courage—and make it the festival’s theme.
Daily micro-sadhana (15–20 mins): 3 mins pranayama, 5–7 mins mantra (e.g., Om Dum Durgāyai Namah), 5 mins quiet reflection, 1 concrete act aligned to the day’s form (a phone call of care on Day 5, a hard task tackled on Day 6, uncluttering on Day 8).
Sacred food: keep meals light and fresh; offer the first portion as naivedya.
Digital vrata: reduce mindless scrolling; reserve an evening hour for reading a few verses from Devi Mahatmya or listening to Durga aarti.
Seva: channel Devi as compassion—support a woman’s education, feed someone, or volunteer discreetly.
Dates at a glance (India)
Navaratri Day 1 (Ghatasthapana): Mon, Sep 22, 2025
Navaratri Days 2–9: Sep 23–Oct 1, 2025
Vijayadashami / Dussehra: Thu, Oct 2, 2025
The heart of the festival
Navaratri is not a pause from life; it is life remembered as sacred. The lamp at your altar is also the lamp within—kept steady by discipline, fed by devotion, and guarded by discernment. When we step across Dashami’s threshold, the Devi does not depart; rather, we carry Her virtues into our ordinary days—and that is the festival’s truest victory.
Venkatesham
“When you are born with a question in your soul, the answer becomes your life’s work.”
Venkatesham is the founder and guiding spirit behind Bharathiyam – a digital dharmic initiative to revive, preserve, and share the soul-wisdom of Bharat.
Born into a traditional family rooted in values, simplicity, and reverence for elders, Venkatesham's life has been a journey through both the visible world of technology and the invisible world of spiritual longing. For decades, he worked in the realm of digital media, communications, and knowledge systems, but his deepest call was always towards dharma, silence, and inner truth.
