Navratri

Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a major Hindu festival centered on the worship of the divine feminine, often understood through forms of Goddess Durga, Shakti, or Devi. The autumn observance known as Sharad or Shardiya Navratri is especially prominent across India.

The festival combines religious observance with regional cultural practices. Depending on the place and community, celebrations can include home worship, temple rituals, fasting, devotional music, Garba and Dandiya Raas, dramatic performances, and decorated public spaces.

• Pratipada — the opening day, commonly marked by Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana in many traditions.
• Saptami — the seventh day, associated with continuing worship and regional observances.
• Ashtami — the eighth day, widely known as Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami in many traditions.
• Navami — the ninth day, associated with Maha Navami, Navadurga worship, and concluding rituals.
• Vijayadashami — the tenth day, also called Dussehra, marking the culmination of the autumn festival period.

Worship of Shakti — Navratri honors Shakti, the divine feminine power, through worship of Goddess Durga and other forms of Devi.

Durga and Mahishasura — A widely told tradition recalls the battle between Goddess Durga and the buffalo demon Mahishasura, representing the triumph of divine order over destructive forces.

Spiritual renewal — Fasting, prayer, self-discipline, and devotional practices are used by many participants as a period of reflection and renewal.

Navratri draws on long-standing Hindu traditions of worshipping the divine feminine and developed through regional Shakta, Vaishnava, and local devotional practices. Stories associated with Durga, Devi, and the victory of righteousness have been transmitted through religious texts, oral traditions, temple worship, and community festivals.

Over time, regional customs became distinctive parts of the festival. Public Garba traditions grew particularly prominent in Gujarat, while other regions developed their own combinations of worship, music, drama, processions, and household observances.

At home — Families may establish a sacred space, light lamps, offer flowers and food, recite prayers, and observe dietary restrictions or fasting.

At temples — Devotees participate in puja, aarti, devotional singing, and special worship dedicated to forms of Devi. Ritual details vary by tradition and locality.

In public — Communities may organize Garba, Dandiya Raas, devotional performances, processions, cultural programs, and temporary worship spaces.

The celebration begins with the establishment of the sacred space and prayers to the chosen form of Devi. Through the following nights, worship, fasting, devotional music, and community gatherings continue, with some traditions focusing on a different form of the goddess on each day.

The final days often receive special attention, particularly Ashtami and Navami. The festival period culminates with Vijayadashami, whose customs differ by region and may include worship, processions, immersion of images, dramatic performances, or other concluding rituals.

Gujarat — Garba and Dandiya Raas are central to many public celebrations, with dancers moving in circles around a lamp, decorated pot, or symbolic center.

West Bengal and eastern India — The autumn period is closely associated with Durga Puja, featuring elaborate images of Goddess Durga, communal worship, artistic installations, and processions.

North India — Navratri may include fasting, temple worship, Ramlila performances, and Dussehra traditions connected with the story of Rama and Ravana.

South India — Golu or Kolu displays of dolls and figurines are an important household tradition in parts of the region, alongside prayers and visits between families.

Maharashtra and other regions — Local traditions combine Devi worship with fasting, household rituals, music, community gatherings, and regional forms of dance and celebration.

• Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana
• Navadurga worship
• Fasting and vrat
• Garba
• Dandiya Raas
• Kanya Puja or Kanjak
• Ramlila and Dussehra observances

Garbo or Garba lamp — A lamp or illuminated vessel can symbolize the divine presence and the continuity of life.

Durga — Represents divine feminine power, protection, and the overcoming of destructive forces.

Trident — Commonly associated with Durga and other forms of Shakti, representing divine strength and power.

Lotus — A recurring sacred symbol associated with purity, spiritual awakening, and divine beauty.

• The word Navratri means “nine nights” and refers to the festival's central nine-night observance.
• There are multiple Navratri observances in the Hindu calendar; Sharad Navratri is the major autumn observance.
• The nine nights are traditionally associated with forms of Devi known collectively as the Navadurga in many traditions.
• Garba is traditionally performed in circular formations, often around a lamp or decorated vessel representing a sacred center.
• Fasting practices vary considerably between families and regions, and not every participant observes the same dietary restrictions.
• Navratri celebrations have spread widely through Indian communities and cultural organizations outside India.