Major Festivals — Hindu Sacred Festival
Navratri
Navratri (Nine Nights) is a nine-day festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga — celebrated four times yearly, with the Ashwin (Sharad) Navratri being the most prominent. Each of the nine nights is devoted to a specific form: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The festival includes Garba and Dandiya Raas dances (especially in Gujarat), fasting, Durga Saptashati recitation, and Kanya Puja on Ashtami.
Last updated: 19 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Significance
Worship of divine feminine power (Shakti), victory over the demon Mahishasura, and the triumph of truth and dharma. The most sacred festival for Shakti devotees.
Rituals & Traditions
Ghatasthapana (sacred pot installation) on first day. Daily Durga puja with specific offerings for each form. Garba and Dandiya Raas dance in the evening. Fasting. Read Durga Saptashati. Kanya Puja on Ashtami. Havan on Navami. Procession and Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) on 10th day.
Traditional Foods
FAQ
Q.What is Navratri?
Navratri (Nine Nights) is a nine-day festival dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga — celebrated four times yearly, with the Ashwin (Sharad) Navratri being the most prominent. Each of the nine nights is devoted to a specific form: Shailputri, ...
Q.What is the significance of Navratri?
Worship of divine feminine power (Shakti), victory over the demon Mahishasura, and the triumph of truth and dharma. The most sacred festival for Shakti devotees.
Q.What are the rituals of Navratri?
Ghatasthapana (sacred pot installation) on first day. Daily Durga puja with specific offerings for each form. Garba and Dandiya Raas dance in the evening. Fasting. Read Durga Saptashati. Kanya Puja on Ashtami. Havan on Navami. Procession and Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) on 10th day.
Q.What foods are made during Navratri?
Kuttu ki puri, Sabudana khichdi, Singhare ka halwa, Makhane ki kheer, Aloo sabzi, Lauki halwa