Navratri is one of the greatest Hindu festivals and honors the Goddess Durga, the warrior avatar of Goddess Shakti, who according to Hindu scriptures destroyed the demon Mahishasura after a battle lasting nine days and nights. It is one of two Hindu nine-nights festivals, the other being Chaitra Navratri, which is celebrated in March or April.

Asuj Navratri is celebrated with dancing, worshipping at temples, and recitation of sacred scriptures for nine days and nights, culminating on the tenth day with the festival of Dussehra (marked as a separate event on the calendar). In Eastern India, Navratri overlaps with Durga Puja, which celebrates Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, and in Southern India, the ninth day is observed as Ayudha Puja, honoring tools and instruments. These holidays, all under the umbrella of Navratri, mark the victory of good over evil in various forms, celebrated differently across the country.

Interesting Facts

• Sanskrit for Nine Nights in Hinduism, this festival honors the divine feminine and nine goddesses.
• This means that each of the nine days of the festivals are devoted to the goddess Durga and her 9 forms.