Festival
Navratri
Nine nights of the Goddess — fasting, garba and the worship of Durga's nine forms.
Significance
Navratri is devoted to the nine forms of Durga, one for each night — from Shailputri to Siddhidatri. It celebrates the Goddess's nine-night battle with the buffalo demon Mahishasura, ending in his defeat and her title Mahishasura Mardini.
The autumn (Sharad) Navratri is the grandest: Ghatasthapana establishes the Goddess in the home, Bengal celebrates Durga Puja, Gujarat dances garba through the nights, and the festival culminates in Vijayadashami — Dussehra.
How it is celebrated
- Establish the kalash (Ghatasthapana) on the first morning.
- Worship one form of Durga each night; many observe a nine-day fast.
- Recite the Durga Chalisa and Durga Aarti daily.
- Celebrate Kanya Puja on Ashtami or Navami, honouring young girls.
- Join garba and dandiya in the evenings.
Prayers for Durga
English
Shree Durga Aarti (1)
Jai Ambe Gauri Maiya,
English
Shree Durga Aarti (2)
Main Tera Kangaal Pujaaree Sau-Sau
English
Shree Durga Aarti (3)
Durge Durghat Bhari Tujvin Sansari ॥
English
Shree Durga Chalisa
Namo Namo Durge Sukh Karani ।
English
Shree Durga Mantra
Om Jataa Jut Samaayukta
English
Shree Durga Raksha Mantra
Om Shailputri Maiya Rakhsa Karo
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