Navratri celebrates nine forms of Goddess Durga across nine nights.
Vijayadashami marks the end of Navratri, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Ghatasthapana is the ritual that initiates Navratri worship.
Durga Puja in West Bengal is celebrated mainly during the last three days of Navratri.
Regional customs include Garba in Gujarat and Kumari Puja in North India.
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Navratri is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The term "Navratri" comes from Sanskrit, meaning "nine nights," during which the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga—collectively known as Navdurga—are worshipped with great devotion. Each day is associated with a distinct manifestation of the Goddess, signifying various virtues like power, wisdom, wealth, courage, and compassion. The festival concludes on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. On this day, idols of Goddess Durga are immersed in water bodies with grand processions and chants.
The celebration of Navratri varies across regions in India. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is marked by Garba and Dandiya Raas dance performances, vibrant attire, and night-long devotion. In Karnataka, temples and homes are beautifully decorated, and special pujas are conducted. A significant ritual, Ghatasthapana or Kalashsthapana, is performed on the first day where a sacred pot (Kalash) is installed invoking the divine presence of Goddess Durga through Vedic mantras. This ritual sets the spiritual tone for the entire festival.
In West Bengal, Navratri is observed as Durga Puja, focusing on the last three days—Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. The rituals like Kalparambha and Bilva Nimantran are performed on the sixth day, equivalent to Ghatasthapana in other states. Devotees also observe other significant practices during Navratri like Kumari Puja, Sandhi Puja, Lalitha Vrat, Chandi Path, and Navami Homa, offering deep spiritual value and invoking divine blessings.
