Navratri meaning lies in its name itself—Nava means nine, and Ratri means nights. It is one of the most sacred Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Every year, millions of devotees in India and across the world celebrate Navratri with devotion, fasting, dance, and prayers.
A long time ago, Mahishasura, a demon blessed with great powers, began troubling the gods and all creation. No one could defeat him. So, the gods combined their energies to create a radiant force—the Divine Mother, Goddess Durga. Armed with weapons and riding her mighty lion, she confronted Mahishasura.
The battle between Durga and Mahishasura raged for nine nights and ten days. Each day, the Goddess displayed her many forms—gentle, fierce, protective, and powerful—matching his might at every turn. On the tenth day, she struck the demon down, restoring peace and righteousness. These nine nights we celebrate as Navaratri, and the tenth day as Vijayadashami, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Navratri Importance and Spiritual Meaning
The importance of Navratri is not just in rituals, but in the values it inspires. Navratri teaches us courage, discipline, compassion, and inner strength. The meaning of Navaratri goes beyond mythology—it is a spiritual journey of self-purification and reconnecting with the divine energy within us.
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga:
- Shailaputri – awakens devotion and steadfastness.
- Brahmacharini – embodies penance and purity, teaching the strength of discipline.
- Chandraghanta – radiates peace and courage, blessing us with balance in adversity.
- Kushmanda – the cosmic creator, inspires positivity and boundless energy.
- Skandamata – the nurturing mother, guiding with compassion and selflessness.
- Katyayani – fierce and just, empowering us to seek righteousness and justice.
- Kalaratri – dark yet protective, destroying fear and negativity.
- Mahagauri – pure and serene, washing away burdens and renewing the spirit.
- Siddhidatri – the giver of divine wisdom, blessing us with spiritual fulfilment.
These 9 forms reflect the power within us—the power to nurture, protect, endure, and transform.
Navratri Celebration Across India
Information about Navratri festival shows how diverse yet united this celebration is across India:
- In Gujarat, Navratri is celebrated with Garba and Dandiya Raas, colourful dance forms performed in devotion to Goddess Durga.
- In Maharashtra, a vibrant 9 day festival is marked by Ghatasthapana, fasting, prayers, garba dances and temple decorations.
- In West Bengal, the festival takes the form of Durga Puja, with beautifully decorated pandals, artistic idols, and cultural performances.
- In Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and few parts of Kerala, devotees observe fasting, prayers, and Golu (doll displays).
- In North India, Ram Lila performances retell the story of Lord Rama, culminating in Dussehra with the burning of Ravana’s effigies.
During puja rituals, turmeric is offered as it represents purity, prosperity, and the sacred energy of life, while kumkum symbolizes the divine feminine power (Shakti) and is applied as a mark of respect, devotion, and protection. These simple offerings remind devotees of the sacredness of the Goddess’s presence in daily life.
Navratri 2025 Dates and Observances
Navratri 2025 will begin on Monday, September 22, 2025, and end with Dussehra on Thursday, October 2, 2025. Devotees across India will observe fasting, visit temples, and engage in cultural festivities during this period.
