Navratri
Nine nights honoring the divine feminine, Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
Sharad Navratri, the most widely observed Navratri, begins on the first day of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month Ashvin, in late September or October. A second Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, is held in spring, usually March or April.
When Is Navratri?
Sharad Navratri, the most widely observed Navratri, begins on the first day of the bright half of the Hindu lunar month Ashvin, in late September or October. A second Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, is held in spring, usually March or April.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Navratri ("nine nights") is a festival dedicated to the Goddess Durga in her nine forms (Navadurga), celebrating the triumph of the divine mother over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. It is one of the most widely observed Hindu festivals.
How It Is Observed
Fasting, daily worship of the Goddess, Garba and Dandiya Raas (traditional folk dances), recitation of the Durga Saptashati, Kanya Puja (honoring young girls as embodiments of the Goddess). Culminates in Dussehra.
Sacred Text
“Ya devi sarva bhuteshu shakti rupena samsthita, salutations to the Goddess who abides in all beings in the form of power.”
, Devi Mahatmyam ↗