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Navaratri,one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India and a few neighbouring countries like Nepal ,Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar began last Monday on September 22,2025 which marks the start of the Ashwina month.
In Hinduism, the festival signifies and celebrates the Victory of good over evil and honours Goddess Durga along with her nine forms.The word Navaratri or originally Navarātram means “a period of nine nights” in Sanskrit, nava meaning “nine” and ratri meaning “night”.
Navaratri celebration
In the eastern and northeastern India, the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri, wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon Mahishashura to help restore Dharma. In southern parts, the victory of Durga or Kali is celebrated. In the western state of Gujarat, it is celebrated with Arti, followed by Garba. In all places, the common theme is the battle and victory of good over evil.
Although there are four Navaratris in a year, Sharad (September-October) and (March-April) these two are observed widely with great devotion.
As per some sources there are two Gupta or “Secret Navaratris” as well, one starts on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of the Magha Month (Magha Gupta Navaratri) and another starts on the Shukla Paksha Pratipada of Ashada Month.
Navaratri Fasting
Devotees fast for nine days to seek blessings of the Goddess. Some people fast only on the first and last day as well. While some devotees drink only water, others stick to fruits, many follow a diet of selective vegetarian foods.Style of fasting vary person to person and place to place. Some eat only one meal per day. Many observers eat vegetable dishes and avoid meat, eggs, alcohol, onions, garlic, wheat flour, rice flour, and canned foods. Fasting is not only a spiritual practice but also a means of cleansing both the body and mind. These food rules help devotees stay connected to tradition while maintaining discipline during the festival.
Avatars
The festival is associated with nine different Avatars or incarnations of the Goddess Durga.The nine Avatars are namely, Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
After these nine days, on the tenth Dussehra or Vijayadashami is celebrated. Vijayadashami is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Indian subcontinent. In the southern, eastern, northeastern, and some northern states of India, Vijayadashami marks the end of Durga Puja, celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory against the buffalo-demon Mahishasura to restore and protect dharma.
Navaratri garba in Gujarat
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general awareness and cultural understanding of the Navaratri festival. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, dates and details may vary based on regional traditions and calendars. Readers are advised to verify festival timings and rituals with local sources or official announcements before making any religious or travel plans.
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Pronita Devi, an M.A. in Political Science, has spent over a decade in electronic and digital media. She regularly contributes insightful articles on geopolitics and current affairs, bringing clarity and depth to complex global issues.