Navaratri is celebrated for nine consecutive nights and the festival culminates on the tenth day, known as Dussehra or Vijayadashami. Each Navaratri day corresponds to a unique color, uniting devotees in symbolic harmony. Nine titihis are

• Pratipada (First day)- BalaTripura Sundari - Full Green
• Dwitiya (Second day)- Gayatri - Yellow
• Tritiya (Third day)- Annapurna - Red
• Chaturthi (Fourth day)- Mahalakshmi - Red
• Panchami (Fifth day)- Lalitatripurasundari - Maroon
• Shashthi (Sixth day)- Meenakshi - Light Green
• Saptami (Seventh day) - Saraswati - White
• Ashtami (Eighth day) - Durga Devi - Red
• Navami (Ninth day) - Mahishasura Mardini - Blue
• Dasami (Tenth day) - Rajarajeshwari - Pink

History and Significance

The nine nights of Navaratri represent the worship of nine different divine avatars of Goddess Durga, each with its unique symbolism. As an integral part of Navaratri festivities, the Devi is beautifully adorned with nine distinct Alankarams, embellished with silk attire and jewelry, over the course of nine evenings. According to Hindu mythology, during this period, Goddess Durga battled the demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights before emerging victorious. This victory symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

The tenth day, Dussehra, marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. This day also has a different story attached to it, where Lord Rama returned home after winning over Ravana and getting Maa Sita back.

Navaratri Puja and Rituals

During Navaratri, devotees observe rigorous fasts, engage in prayers and meditation seeking blessings for prosperity, happiness and protection. Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to different divine forms of the Goddess Durga. Many devotees observe a strict vegetarian diet during this period. The vibrant evenings come alive with the lively Garba and Dandiya Raas dances, where people dressed in colorful attire celebrate the joy of life and the victory of good over evil.

The festival also involves the worship of Goddess Durga twice a day, during the morning and evening. Devotees chant mantras, offer prayers, and present offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets. Elaborate pandals and processions adorn the cities, creating a festive atmosphere.

Nine Divine Forms of Goddess Durga

• Day 1: Devi Shailputri
• Day 2: Devi Brahmacharini
• Day 3: Devi Chandraghanta
• Day 4: Devi Kushmanda
• Day 5: Devi Skandamata
• Day 6: Devi Katyayani
• Day 7: Devi Kalaratri
• Day 8: Devi Mahagauri
• Day 9: Devi Siddhidatri