Navratri: The festival of 9 Goddesses

Navratri is derived from the two sanskrit words- "nav" meaning nine, and "ratri" meaning night. It is a festival celebrated in India with prayers, dances and processions. It is held for nine days, after which the tenth day comes the festival of Dussehra. According to Indian mythology, Navratri marks the oncoming of winter season. Also, the post-monsoon Navratri , also known as Shardiya Navratri is also associated with divine Goddess Durga, that is why in many north-eastern states such as Assam, Mizoram or West Bengal, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja. This trend also continues in countries like Nepal. It is believed that Goddess Durga once battled with an evil buffalo demon and and defeated it. Since then, buffaloes are often served as an offering to Goddess Durga. Recently, such offerings are reduced to a large extent, and people often celebrate festival peacefully with full vigour, and excitement.

Dates and Celebration

Navratri is celebrated twice in a year, first before the onset of summer season, and second after post-monsoon or before arrival of winter season in India. So, according to the celebration dates, it can be  classified into two types:

Shardiya Navratri: It is celebrated during the months of September/October. According to Hindu calendar, it is celebrated during the lunar month of "Ashwin".

Vasanta Navratri: It is celebrated during the months of March/April, or, according to Hindu religion, during the month of "Chaitra". It is the second most celebrated.

Importance of each day of Navratri

Navratri continues for nine nights, or preferably, 10 days. Each day is associated with the prayers of a different Goddess, followed by celebrations, feast and "Dandiya" dance. Each day is also associated with a different colour that symbolizes the Goddess and her deeds.

Day 01(Pratipada): ShailPutri/Parwati 

Also known as the daughter of mountain, the first day is known as the day of incarnation of Shailputri. Shailputri, or Prawati is also considerd as direct incarnation of Mahakali. This colour of the day is red.

Day 02(Dritiya): Brahmcharini

Brahmcharini is another form of Parwati, when she became a "sati", meaning, her unmarried self. Parwati, in this form is known as Brahmcharini. She represents "moksha" (the state of free from worldly self and attainment of heaven after life), peace and prosparity. Brahmcharini symbolizes bliss and calm.  The color of the day is blue.

Day 03(Tritiya): Chandraghata

Chandraghata is the form of Parwati after marrying Lord Shiva- her husband. After her marriage, Parwati adorned her forehead with half-chandra (the symbol of half moon). This state of her sybmolized bravery and beauty. The color of the day is yellow.

Day 04(Chaturthi): Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda is believed to be the power behind the creation of this universe. Kushmanda is also associated with vegetation on earth, symbolizing peace and greenery in her Earthly form. She also symbolized power. The color of the day is Green.

Day 05(Panchmi): Skandmata

 Goddess Skandmata is the mother of Skanda/or Kartikeya. She transformed into ferocious form when her child was in danger, and so this day symbolizes bravery and strength. Kartikeya is the Hindu God of war. He was the son of Shiva and Parwati. Parwati, in her ferocious form, is known as Skandmata. The color of the day is Grey.

Day 06(Chati): Katyayni

Katyayni, or the warrior Goddess, is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parwati. She is known to exhibit courage. The color of the day is Orange.

Day 07(Saptmi): Kalaratri

This is one of the most ferocious forms of Goddess Durga. Here, Parwati is depicted in her black form, known as Gooddess Kali. In her "Kali" state, she killed two ferocious demons Sumbha and Nisumbha. She is portrayed in white colored attire. The white color portray peace, also depicting the peaceful co-existence of of her devotees with their Goddess protecting her. The color of the day is white.

Day 08(Ashtami): Mahagauri

Mahagauri is the Goddess of intelligence and peacefulness, praying to the Goddess to give to her devotees intelligence and sharpness. The color of the day is pink.

Day 09(Navami): Shddhatri

On the last day of the festival, people pray to Goddess Siddhatri. She is portrayed as having all "Siddhis". She is also known as Saraswati devi. The color of the day is light blue. 

While some people prefer fasting throughout  the festival, others look to the festival as a source of feast. In some states, people pray to Goddess during Autumn navratri, while in some states, people deveote their prayers during the Winter navratri. However, most of thee people pray to Goddess during both of the occations. Navratri is also mentioned in other religions like Sikkhism, in their literature. Jain religion is also associated with Navratri, and mention it as their festival too.