The Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana tells an old story. Long, long ago there was a demon named Mahishasura. He performed severe austerities and asked Brahma for a boon that no god or demon could kill him.
The moment he received the boon, Mahishasura began terrorising all three worlds. He drove the gods out of the heavens. All the gods, troubled and helpless, went to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. According to the Devi Mahatmya, from the combined radiance of all three gods, a divine power manifested — Devi Durga.
The Devi Bhagavat Purana tells us that all the gods offered their own weapons to the Devi. Shiva gave the trident, Vishnu gave the discus, Indra gave the thunderbolt. The Devi arrived before Mahishasura, mounted on a lion.
According to the Devi Mahatmya, Devi Durga battled Mahishasura for nine days, and on the tenth day brought an end to that demon, re-establishing dharma. The gods, filled with joy, sang the Devi's praises.
In memory of this victory, the tradition of worshipping the Devi for nine days has continued. These nine days are called Navratri — 'nav' meaning nine, 'ratri' meaning night.
The Devi Bhagavat Purana tells us that the Devi has nine forms, known as the Nav Durga. Each day, one form is worshipped. These nine forms represent different aspects of Shakti.
The Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana describes how the Shardiya Navratri puja begins with the installation of the kalash (a water-filled pot). During these nine days, devotees observe fasts, light lamps, and recite the Devi's texts.
On the tenth day — Vijayadashami — devotees perform a special puja of the Devi. This day is also called Dussehra. In the tradition of the Valmiki Ramayana, this same day is also connected to Ram's victory over Ravana — that story can be read in the Stories section.
It is an ancient folk tradition of Gujarat to perform community dance in honour of the Devi during Navratri — this is called Garba. It is a blending of devotion and celebration.
There are four Navratris in a year — Chaitra, Ashadh, Ashwin, and Magh. Among them, the Shardiya Navratri of Ashwin is considered the most prominent. Each has its own special meaning and marks a seasonal transition.
Nine nights — nine forms — one Shakti. She who holds the world together.
The Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana describes Navratri as a festival of Shakti's veneration. Devotees observe fasts, vigils, and recite the Devi's texts during these nine days. According to tradition, these are days to recognise one's own inner strength.
The Devi Bhagavat Purana describes how Navratri falls at the turning points of the year — when one season ends and another begins. Chaitra Navratri is at the transition of spring and summer; Shardiya Navratri is at the transition of monsoon and autumn. The tradition of worshipping the Devi at these seasonal junctions is ancient.
Navratri is not just a festival — it is celebrated across India in different forms. In Bengal, Durga Puja; in Gujarat, Garba; in North India, Ramlila and Dussehra — all are part of this nine-day tradition.
- Navratri begins with the installation of the kalash — a pot filled with water is placed in the home or temple, and a coconut is placed on top.
- The Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) or other Devi stotras are recited during the nine days.
- In some families, the tradition of Kanya Pujan (honouring young girls) on Ashtami or Navami has been observed.
- In Gujarat's ancient folk tradition, Garba and Dandiya Raas are organised during these nine nights.
- In Bengal, a special Durga Puja is observed from Panchami to Dashami.
- In North India, Ramlila performances and the Dussehra celebration take place during these days.
- On Navami, the tradition of havan (sacred fire ceremony) and purnahuti (final offering) is observed.
- On the tenth day — Vijayadashami — the festival concludes with the Devi's special puja.