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Navaratri, meaning "nine nights," is a festival celebrating the divine feminine energy (Shakti). It is observed twice a year - in spring (Chaitra) and autumn (Sharad) - with the autumn Navaratri being the most widely celebrated.
When is Navaratri?
Sharad Navaratri begins on the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Ashwin (September-October) and culminates on Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
The Nine Forms of the Goddess
Each night is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga:
- Day 1 - Shailaputri: Daughter of the mountains, associated with the Muladhara chakra
- Day 2 - Brahmacharini: The ascetic goddess, representing penance and devotion
- Day 3 - Chandraghanta: The fierce yet benevolent form with a crescent moon
- Day 4 - Kushmanda: The cosmic creator, source of the universe's energy
- Day 5 - Skandamata: Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), goddess of maternal love
- Day 6 - Katyayani: The warrior goddess, born to destroy demons
- Day 7 - Kalaratri: The fierce dark form, destroyer of negativity
- Day 8 - Mahagauri: The brilliant white goddess of purity and peace
- Day 9 - Siddhidatri: The giver of supernatural powers and perfection
Colors of Navaratri
Each day is associated with a specific color:
- Day 1: Orange/Pratipada Yellow
- Day 2: White
- Day 3: Red
- Day 4: Royal Blue
- Day 5: Yellow
- Day 6: Green
- Day 7: Grey
- Day 8: Purple
- Day 9: Peacock Green
Astrological Significance
Navaratri holds special astrological significance:
- Occurs during the junction between seasons, when cosmic energies are heightened
- Venus (Shukra), associated with the divine feminine, is honored
- Beneficial for those with Moon or Venus challenges in their chart
- The period is auspicious for new beginnings and removing obstacles
Traditional Practices
Daily Worship
- Morning and evening aarti
- Recitation of Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmyam)
- Chanting of Lalita Sahasranama
- Offering of red flowers and kumkum
Fasting
Many observe fasts during Navaratri, eating only sattvic foods, fruits, and specific grains.
Kanya Puja
On the 8th or 9th day, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess.
Garba and Dandiya
In Gujarat and other regions, nightly dances celebrate the Goddess through movement and joy.
Famous Goddess Temples
- Vaishno Devi, Jammu: Cave temple of the three goddesses
- Kamakhya Temple, Assam: One of the Shakti Peethas
- Meenakshi Temple, Madurai: Magnificent temple of Goddess Meenakshi
- Kalighat, Kolkata: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas