Navratri is an annual Hindu festival that lasts for nine days and nights, typically falling between September and October during the month of Ashvin. The festival is dedicated to the Divine Feminine, most often associated with Durga Ma and Goddess Parvati. Navratri celebrates the various incarnations of the goddess and her victories over terrible demons. One such sacred triumph was a battle against the powerful demon Mahishasura, who could not be killed by any man or God. It is believed that Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, was advised to worship the Goddess to ensure victory over his enemy Ravana. During each of the nine days of this battle, Rama worshipped a distinct form of the Goddess. He finally achieved victory on the day after Navratri, known as Vijaya Dashami/Dusshera/Dasara.
Navratri is celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere. The festival is observed for different reasons, and there are four seasonal Navaratri. The festival is typically observed by Hindus, and it is a time of religious significance for many people. During Navratri, people come together to celebrate Durga, the mother goddess who carries lots of weapons in her arms. Each day of Navratri has an associated color which devotees are encouraged to wear. The festival ends with whats known as Dussehra, which is the celebration of good over evil.
Navratri is a time when Hindus celebrate the goddess Durga for killing the demon, Mahishasura. Fasting, meditation, prayers, and other spiritual practices performed during this period help bring about deep rest, freedom from all kinds of botherations, deep relaxation, and creativity. The prayer, chanting, and meditation performed during Navratri connect us with our spirit. Devi Puja is also performed during Navratri to honor the omnipresent cosmic energy.
In summary, Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival that celebrates the Divine Feminine, most often associated with Durga Ma and Goddess Parvati. The festival is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu Indian cultural sphere. During Navratri, people come together to celebrate Durga, and each day of Navratri has an associated color which devotees are encouraged to wear. The festival ends with whats known as Dussehra, which is the celebration of good over evil. Fasting, meditation, prayers, and other spiritual practices performed during this period help bring about deep rest, freedom from all kinds of botherations, deep relaxation, and creativity.