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Navratri
Nine nights honoring the divine feminine — Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
📅 October 2 – 9 days🌙 Lunar calendar
✦ 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 ↗
Note on dates: This holiday follows a lunar or lunisolar calendar. The date shown is approximate for 2025–2026. Exact dates may vary by one or two days depending on moon sighting and regional tradition. Always confirm with your local community.