Navratri, the Festival of the Devi
Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is a sacred festival honoring Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Celebrated twice a year, it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is marked by fasting, prayers, and vibrant Garba and Dandiya celebrations. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Maa Durga, bringing blessings of strength, wisdom, and prosperity. This festival is a time for spiritual devotion, self-discipline, and divine connection, inviting positivity and grace into our lives.
Items Required for Navratri Pooja
To perform the sacred Navratri Pooja, you will need the following items:
- Kalash (pot)
- Mango leaves
- Betel leaves
- Coconut
- Turmeric powder
- Kumkum
- Sandalwood
- Rice (akshat)
- Ghee
- Dhoop
Diya
Sacred Thread (Moli)
Thali
Ghatasthapana Essentials:
Seed Grains & Brown Soil: Sown in an Earthen Pot to symbolize growth and prosperity.
Deity and Offerings:
Mata Idol or Picture: The main deity for worship.
Mata Chowki: A raised platform for placing the idol or picture.
Red Cloth (Chunari): Used to adorn the Goddess or cover the chowki.
Flowers & Fruits: Offered as a sign of devotion and gratitude.
Traditional Navratri Food Offerings:
During Navratri, devotees prepare and offer various pure foods. Some common examples are:
- Fresh Fruits: Offered as a simple and pure offering.
- Homemade Sweets: Including Laddus and Halwa, often made with love and devotion.
Fasting-Friendly Grains & Preparations:
Kutu Aata (Buckwheat Flour): Used to make various fasting-friendly dishes like pancakes or parathas.
Sama Rice (Barnyard Millet): A popular grain consumed during fasting, often cooked like rice.
Sabudana (Tapioca Pearls): Used to make kheer (pudding), vada (fritters), or khichdi, a common fasting food.
Navratri Rules & Important Points
Rules for Pooja Sthapana
Decorate Navratri Chowki
Saal Mei 2 Bar Navratri Kyu Manaye Jaate hai
Right Direction to Place God and Why?
Chaitra Navratri 2025
9 Days of Navratri Devi Names and Colours 2025
Experience the spiritual essence of Navratri as we honor the nine divine forms of Maa Durga, each representing unique qualities like strength, wisdom, and prosperity. This sacred festival marks the triumph of good over evil, with each day dedicated to a different avatar of the Goddess. Explore the significance of Shailputri to Siddhidatri, along with their symbolism, colors, and rituals. Let the divine energy of Navratri fill your heart with devotion and positivity.
Navratri is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. Over nine nights, devotees honor her nine distinct forms, known as the Navadurga. Each form embodies unique qualities and symbolizes different aspects of divine feminine power. Here’s a breakdown of the nine forms:
Day 1: Maa Shailaputri (Pratipada)
Shailputri, the first divine manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolizes the highest state of consciousness. The word ‘Shail’ means ‘peak’, representing the summit of energy and awareness. While she is often seen as the daughter of Mount Kailash, her deeper meaning lies in reaching the pinnacle of spiritual and emotional experiences.
Just like energy is fully realized only at its peak, emotions too must be fully experienced to be transcended. Suppressed emotions drain us, whereas fully expressed emotions—like a child’s anger—are short-lived and freeing. When we reach the peak of any experience, we connect with divine consciousness—this is the essence of Shailputri.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Shailaputri
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं शैलपुत्र्यै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the First Day of Navratri?
On Pratipada (the first day of Navratri), wearing white-colored attire is considered auspicious, as each day’s color symbolizes the unique qualities of the Goddess.
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini (Dwitiya)
Maa Brahmacharini, the second manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolizes penance, devotion, and perseverance. Her name, derived from Brahma (meaning knowledge or austerity) and Charini (meaning one who follows), represents the path of self-discipline and spiritual enlightenment.
Depicted holding a japa mala (rosary) in one hand and a kamandal (water pot) in the other, she signifies the power of determination and unwavering faith. She is known for her severe penance to attain Lord Shiva as her consort, making her an embodiment of patience and devotion. Worshiping her instills willpower, wisdom, and inner strength, helping devotees overcome challenges on the path of truth and righteousness.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Brahmacharini
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Second Day of Navratri?
On Dwitiya Tithi (the second day of Navratri), wearing red-colored attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing passion, energy, and dedication—qualities that Maa Brahmacharini embodies.
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta (Tritiya)
Maa Chandraghanta, the third manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolizes courage, grace, and divine power. She is named after the crescent moon (Chandra) adorning her forehead, shaped like a bell (Ghanta). Her form radiates peace, yet she is ever ready to battle evil, protecting her devotees from negative energies and fear.
Depicted riding a tiger and wielding ten weapons, Maa Chandraghanta represents strength and bravery. Her worship instills fearlessness, tranquility, and spiritual awakening, helping devotees overcome obstacles in life. She is believed to bless her followers with divine grace, prosperity, and harmony.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Chandraghanta
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Third Day of Navratri?
On Tritiya Tithi (April 1st), wearing royal blue-coloured attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing depth, stability, and divine energy—qualities embodied by Maa Chandraghanta.
Day 4: Maa Kushmanda (Chaturthi)
Maa Kushmanda, the fourth manifestation of Goddess Durga, is known as the creator of the universe. It is believed that she smiled and brought light to the cosmos, earning her name, where Ku means little, Ushma means warmth or energy, and Anda means cosmic egg. She represents radiance, vitality, and cosmic power.
Maa Kushmanda is depicted with eight arms, holding weapons, a rosary, and a kalash filled with nectar, signifying strength, prosperity, and good health. Riding a lion, she removes darkness from her devotees’ lives, blessing them with clarity, confidence, and success. Worshiping her enhances positive energy, creativity, and well-being.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Kushmanda
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कूष्माण्डायै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Fourth Day of Navratri?
On Chaturthi Tithi (April 2nd), wearing yellow-coloured attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing brightness, happiness, and the divine energy of Maa Kushmanda.
Day 5: Maa Skandamata (Panchami)
Maa Skandamata, the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga, is the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the commander of the divine army. She symbolizes motherly love, compassion, and protection, blessing her devotees with wisdom, prosperity, and salvation.
Depicted seated on a lotus, she is also known as Padmasana Devi. With four hands, she holds her son Skanda in one, a lotus flower in two, and bestows blessings with the fourth. She rides a lion, representing courage and strength. Worshiping her helps devotees attain peace, knowledge, and spiritual growth.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Skandamata
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं स्कन्दमातायै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Fifth Day of Navratri?
On Panchami Tithi (April 3rd), wearing green-coloured attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing harmony, renewal, and the nurturing energy of Maa Skandamata.
Day 6: Maa Katyayani (Shashti)
Maa Katyayani, the sixth manifestation of Goddess Durga, is known as the warrior goddess. Born from the combined energy of the gods, she is a fierce form of Durga who destroyed the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. She embodies strength, courage, and righteousness, making her the ultimate protector of her devotees.
Depicted riding a lion, Maa Katyayani has four hands, holding a sword and lotus while blessing her devotees with the other two. She is revered as the giver of love and marriage blessings, especially for young girls seeking a suitable partner. Worshiping her brings bravery, confidence, and success in all aspects of life.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Kalaratri
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कात्यायन्यै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Sixth Day of Navratri?
On Shashti Tithi (April 4th), wearing orange-colored attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing energy, enthusiasm, and the fierce power of Maa Katyayani.
Day 7: Maa Kalaratri (Saptami)
Maa Kalaratri, the seventh manifestation of Goddess Durga, is the destroyer of darkness and evil. She is the fiercest form of Durga, known for eliminating demons and negative forces. Despite her terrifying appearance, she is a benevolent goddess, bringing protection and fearlessness to her devotees.
With a dark complexion, wild hair, and three eyes, Maa Kalaratri rides a donkey and carries a sword and noose. She emits fiery energy and is often called Shubankari, as she removes obstacles and blesses her devotees with courage, strength, and spiritual growth. Worshiping her eliminates fear, negative energies, and ignorance.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Kalaratri
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कालरात्र्यै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Seventh Day of Navratri?
On Saptami Tithi (April 5th), wearing white-coloured attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing purity, peace, and Maa Kalaratri’s ability to destroy darkness and bring enlightenment.
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri (Ashtami)
Maa Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Goddess Durga, symbolizes purity, serenity, and wisdom. Her name means “great white goddess,” signifying her radiant, fair complexion and divine grace. She is believed to have attained this form after performing severe penance to attain Lord Shiva, who purified her and blessed her with a luminous appearance.
Seated on a bull, Maa Mahagauri has four hands, holding a trident and a drum, while her other two hands bless her devotees. She represents peace, endurance, and compassion, helping her followers eliminate past sins and attain spiritual enlightenment. Worshiping her brings happiness, prosperity, and relief from hardships.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Mahagauri
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं महागौर्यै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Eighth Day of Navratri?
On Ashtami Tithi (April 6th), wearing pink-coloured attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing love, harmony, and the gentle yet powerful energy of Maa Mahagauri.
Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri & Ram Navami (Navami)
Maa Siddhidatri, the ninth and final form of Goddess Durga, is the goddess of supernatural powers (siddhis). Her name means “the giver of siddhis,” and she is believed to bless her devotees with wisdom, success, and spiritual fulfillment.
Seated on a lotus, she has four hands, holding a chakra, mace, conch, and lotus. She is worshiped by humans, gods, and even Lord Shiva, who, with her blessings, attained his Ardhanarishvara form (half-Shiva, half-Shakti). Devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri to achieve spiritual enlightenment and divine energy.
Mantra for Worshiping Goddess Siddhidatri
|| ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः ||
What Colour to Wear on the Ninth Day of Navratri?
On Navami Tithi (April 7th), wearing purple-coloured attire is considered auspicious, symbolizing ambition, dignity, and divine power.
Navratri - Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there 2 Navratri in a Year?
Navratri is celebrated twice a year, during the spring (Chaitra Navratri) and autumn (Sharad Navratri) seasons, rooted in Hindu tradition and mythology, with each season symbolizing new beginnings and spiritual renewal.
Why is Chaitra Navratri 2025 only 8 days long?
Chaitra Navratri 2025 will be celebrated for 8 days instead of the usual 9 due to a lunar overlap, where the Dwitiya (second day) and Tritiya (third day) fall on the same day according to the Hindu calendar.
What are the different Nine forms of Maa Durga and daily worship?
During Navratri, Hindus worship the nine forms of Maa Durga (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidhatri), each representing a different aspect of the divine feminine.
How to celebrate Navratri at home?
To celebrate Navratri at home, prepare a sacred space, perform the Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) ritual, and engage in daily puja, chanting mantras, offering prayers, and performing aarti, while also observing fasting and feasting according to tradition.
What is the food of fasting in Navratri and Prasad?
During Navratri fasting, common foods include buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), water chestnut flour (singhare ka atta), and amaranth flour (rajgira ka atta), along with fruits, milk, and dairy products, while items like regular grains, onion, and garlic are avoided. Prasad, the food offered to the deity, can include items like kheer, sabudana khichdi, and other dishes made with allowed ingredients.
What is the difference between Chaitra Navratri vs. Sharad Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri occurs in the spring (March-April) and marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in some regions, while Sharad Navratri happens in the autumn (September-October) and is often considered the primary Navratri, culminating in Durga Puja and Dussehra.
