The Journey of the Goddess
Each of Navratri's nine nights is dedicated to a unique form of the Goddess Durga, representing a stage in her divine life. Click on a day below to explore the symbolism, color, and worship associated with each manifestation.
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The details of the selected Goddess will appear here.
The Foundational Myths
Navratri's significance is anchored in two powerful narratives of righteousness triumphing over evil. These stories provide the moral and theological framework for the festival.
The Slaying of Mahishasura
The central myth tells of the demon king Mahishasura, who gained a boon of invincibility against any male. After he conquered the heavens, the gods pooled their energies to create the supreme warrior Goddess, Durga. Armed with divine weapons, she battled the shape-shifting demon for nine nights, finally slaying him on the tenth day. This story celebrates the ultimate power of the unified Divine Feminine to restore cosmic order when all other powers fail.
The Ramayana Connection
A second narrative links the festival to the epic Ramayana. Before his final battle with the demon king Ravana, Lord Rama performed a special worship of Goddess Durga for nine days to gain her blessings and strength. His victory on the tenth day, known as Dussehra, is celebrated alongside Durga's triumph, seamlessly blending the Shakta and Vaishnava traditions and unifying them under the theme of good's victory.
The Ritual Landscape
A set of core rituals guide devotees through nine days of spiritual discipline, purification, and devotion. Click on each ritual to learn more about its practice and significance.
A Tapestry of Celebration
Navratri is celebrated with incredible diversity across India. While the core spirit remains, each region has unique traditions that highlight different paths to the divine, from ecstatic dance and grand artistry to epic theatre and philosophical displays.
Forms of Celebration
The regional traditions of Navratri can be broadly categorized by their primary mode of expression, showcasing the festival's multifaceted nature.