Navaratri

What the festival means

The name translates to nine nights in Sanskrit. It honors Durga, an aspect of the supreme goddess Adi Parashakti. The core theme is the battle between good and evil, specifically Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. This story restores dharma, or cosmic order. Different regions celebrate various aspects of this victory. Some focus on Durga, while others honor Kali or other goddesses like Saraswati and Lakshmi. The festival is a time for spiritual renewal and community bonding.

When it is kept

Navaratri occurs twice a year according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar. The spring version falls in Chaitra (March or April). The autumn version, called Sharada Navaratri, happens in Ashvin (September or October). The autumn festival is the most widely celebrated. Dates vary slightly each year based on moon phases. The festival always begins on the first day of the bright fortnight. It ends on the ninth night, followed by Vijayadashami.

How people observe it

Devotees engage in daily prayers and fasting. Many avoid meat, eggs, onions, garlic, wheat, and rice. Some eat only one meal a day or survive on fruits and water. Communities build elaborate temporary structures called pandals to house idols. Families visit these pandals together. In Gujarat, people perform garba, a traditional folk dance. In eastern India, Durga Puja is the central event. On the final day, idols are immersed in rivers or oceans, symbolizing the goddess's return to her heavenly home.

The nine forms honored

Each night honors a specific form of Durga, known as Navadurga. Day one worships Shailaputri, associated with yellow. Day two honors Brahmacharini, linked to white. Chandraghanta is revered on day three with grey. Kushmanda is worshipped on day four in green. Skandamata is honored on day five, also in green. Katyayani is celebrated on day six with red. Kalaratri is revered on day seven in royal blue. Mahaguri is honored on day eight in pink. Siddhidatri is worshipped on the final day in purple.

Regional variations today

Celebrations differ significantly by region. In eastern states, Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri. Western states like Gujarat feature extensive garba dancing. Southern states often include Ayudha Puja, where people worship tools, weapons, and instruments. Students seek blessings from teachers. Farmers thank the earth for harvests. The festival also prepares communities for Deepavali, which follows twenty days later. These local customs keep the tradition vibrant and relevant.

How Navaratri is kept

Devotees fast for nine days, often avoiding grains and animal products. They visit pandals to view idols of Durga. In Gujarat, groups dance garba in circles. In Bengal, elaborate Durga Puja events take place. On the ninth day, Ayudha Puja honors tools and books. Idols are immersed in water bodies on Vijayadashami. Communities gather for prayers and cultural programs throughout the nights.

When and where

It falls in March/April or September/October, determined by the Hindu lunisolar calendar's bright fortnight of Chaitra or Ashvin months.

It is strongest in India, especially Bengal, Gujarat, and South India. It is also observed in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Hindu diaspora communities worldwide.

What Navaratri means

It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma. It honors the divine feminine energy. Each form represents different virtues like strength, wisdom, and peace. Fasting purifies the body and mind. Immersion signifies the cyclical nature of life and the goddess's journey.

Days Navaratri is marked

Navaratri dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Navaratri

See also

HalloweenAn annual observance on 31 October marking the eve of All Saints' Day, rooted in Christian tradition and Celtic heritageEid al-FitrThe feast that ends Ramadan, opened with morning prayers, sweets and visits homeDiwaliA five-day festival of lights celebrated across India and its diaspora to mark the victory of light over darkness.Father's DayA day to honour fathers and fatherhood, kept on many different dates worldwide

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• A ball with the dollsDeccan Herald, Article
• Thousands of women turn up for Maha BathukammaThe Hindu, Article
• A ball with the dollsDeccan Herald, Article
• Thousands of women turn up for Maha BathukammaThe Hindu, Article

• Navaratri on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.