Navratri, the festival of ‘nine nights’, lasts for 9 days with three days each devoted to the worship of Ma Durga – the Goddess of Valor, Ma Lakshmi – the Goddess of Wealth and Ma Saraswati – the Goddess of Knowledge. During the nine days of Navratri feasting and fasting take precedence over all normal daily activities amongst the Hindus. Evenings give rise to the religious music and dance, in order to worship the Goddess.

1st three days of Navratri

On the first day of the Navaratras, a small bed of mud is prepared in the puja room of the house and barley seeds are sown on it. On the tenth day, the shoots are about 3 – 5 inches in length. After the puja, these seedlings are pulled out and given to devotees as a blessing from the Goddess. These initial days are dedicated to Durga Ma, the Goddess of power and energy. Her various manifestations – Kumari, Parvati and Kali are all worshipped during these days. They represent the three different classes of womanhood that includes the child, the young girl and the mature woman. 

Next three days of Navratri

From the 4th to the 6th day of Navratri, Lakshmi Ma, the Goddess of peace and prosperity, is worshipped. On the fifth day which is known as Lalita Panchami, it is traditional to gather and display all literature available in the house, light a lamp or ‘diya’ to invoke the Goddess Lalita, known to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

Last three days of Navratri

These final days belong to Saraswati Ma, who is worshipped to acquire the spiritual knowledge which in turn will free us from all earthly bondage. On the 8th day of this colourful festival, yagna (holy fire) is performed. Ghee (clarified butter), kheer (rice pudding) and sesame seeds form the holy offering to Goddess Durga.

Mahanavami

The festival of Navratri culminates in Mahanavami. On this day Kanya Puja is performed. Nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshiped. Their feet are washed as a mark of respect for the Goddess. They are offered new clothes as gifts by the worshiper. This ritual is performed in most parts of the country.

Read about Nine Navratri Essentials and be ready to welcome the Goddess.

You can also read more about Navratri Trishakti – Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati