Navratri
Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess Durga and her nine forms (Navadurga). Celebrated mainly in autumn, it features fasting, devotional music, and the Garba and Dandiya Raas dances of Gujarat. It culminates in Vijayadashami (Dussehra), marking the victory of good over evil.
Quick facts: Navratri
| Meaning | “Nava” (nine) + “ratri” (nights) |
|---|---|
| When | Sharad Navratri — September/October |
| Duration | 9 nights, 10th day is Vijayadashami |
| Goddess | Durga and the nine Navadurga forms |
| Signature dances | Garba, Dandiya Raas |
Significance of Navratri
Navratri honours the divine feminine (Shakti) and celebrates Durga’s victory over the buffalo-demon Mahishasura. Each of the nine nights is dedicated to one form of the goddess — from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri — representing different aspects of strength, wisdom and grace.
History & origins
Goddess worship and the Durga–Mahishasura narrative are recorded in the Devi Mahatmya (c. 5th–6th century CE). The festival’s communal Garba dance traditions developed strongly in Gujarat and have since spread worldwide with the Indian diaspora.
How Navratri is celebrated
Devotees observe fasts, set up images of the goddess, and perform daily puja. Evenings come alive with Garba and Dandiya Raas performed in circles around a central lamp or image. The festival is split into sets of three nights honouring Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, ending with Vijayadashami.
Regional variations
- Gujarat: nightly Garba and Dandiya Raas around the goddess.
- West Bengal: overlaps with Durga Puja, with elaborate pandals and idol immersion.
- North India: Ramlila performances; the festival ends with Dussehra and the burning of Ravana effigies.
- South India: Golu / Bommai Kolu — tiered displays of dolls and figurines.
Frequently asked questions about Navratri
What does Navratri celebrate?
Navratri celebrates the goddess Durga and her victory over the demon Mahishasura, honouring the divine feminine (Shakti) across nine nights, each dedicated to one of her nine forms.
What are Garba and Dandiya?
Garba and Dandiya Raas are traditional folk dances from Gujarat performed during Navratri evenings, danced in circles around an image or lamp of the goddess, Dandiya using decorated sticks.
How many days is Navratri?
Navratri spans nine nights and ten days, concluding on the tenth day, Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
When is Navratri celebrated?
The most widely observed Sharad Navratri falls in the Hindu month of Ashvin, usually September or October.