What is Navratri
Navratri means nine nights. There are four Navratris in a year, but Sharadiya Navratri, which falls in the month of Ashwin, is the biggest. Over these nine days, the nine forms of Maa Durga, known together as Navadurga, are worshipped. Each day is dedicated to one goddess, and many people wear the colour of the day.
The festival opens with Ghatasthapana on the first day and ends with Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, on the tenth. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, since it was during these days that Maa Durga fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura.
One festival, many traditions
In Gujarat, Navratri means Garba and Dandiya Raas late into the night. In Bengal, it is the season of Durga Puja pandals. North India stages the Ramlila and burns effigies of Ravana on Dussehra. Maharashtra is known for its Ghatasthapana rituals and the nine-colour tradition, while homes in South India set up displays of dolls called Golu or Bommai Kolu.
What you'll find here
Tap any day above. Each day's page has the story of that day's goddess, a simple way to do the puja, the bhog, the colour, the mantra and wishes you can send. On the same page you can make a greeting card with your name, download it as a photo, or send it on WhatsApp.