Sharad Navratri—more commonly known as Navratri—marks the triumph of good over evil. While the festival is dedicated to the nine powerful forms of Shakti (Durga), it also honors many other deities. On the seventh day, devotees worship Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge and wisdom. The ninth day is reserved for Ayudha Puja, when people perform rituals to sanctify their tools, instruments, and weapons—symbols of their craft and livelihood.
What Makes Navratri Special?
Most people know Navratri as the nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga, but few realize that there are actually four Navratris in a year. The word Navratri itself comes from Sanskrit: Nav means “nine,” and Ratri means “nights.” Beyond devotion, Navratri also reflects the natural rhythm of life—each celebration marks a seasonal transition.
Sharada Navratri
The post-monsoon Navratri, also called Sharada Navratri, is the most celebrated and revered of them all. It falls in the month of Ashwin (September–October), coinciding with the autumn harvest. The festival begins on the first day (Pratipada) of the lunar month and culminates on the ninth or tenth day as Dussehra (Vijayadashami) and Durga Puja.
Sometimes, unique calendar shifts occur. For instance, in 2020 there was a rare month-long gap between Pitra Paksha and Navratri—something that hadn’t happened in 165 years! This happens due to the addition of Adhik Maas (Purushottam Maas) in the lunar calendar, which comes once every three years to keep the dates aligned.
Vasant Navratri
Celebrated in Chaitra (March–April), this spring Navratri comes after the winter harvest. The ninth day of this festival is observed as Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.
Magha Navratri
Observed in the month of Magha (January–February), this winter Navratri holds special cultural significance. The fifth day is celebrated as Vasant Panchami (Basant Panchami), dedicated to Goddess Saraswati—the goddess of wisdom, learning, and the arts. People worship through music, writing, and kite flying. In some regions, this period is also associated with Kama, the Hindu god of love.
Ashadha Navratri
Falling in Ashadha (June–July), at the onset of the monsoon, this Navratri is less widely observed compared to the others but carries its own spiritual depth.
What’s the Story Behind Navratri?
Navratri isn’t just a festival of lights, music, and devotion—it’s also steeped in powerful legends. Across regions, people celebrate different stories, but all carry the same essence: the triumph of good over evil.
Legend I: The Battle with Mahishasura
Mahishasura, the mighty buffalo demon, had a dangerous gift—a boon of near-immortality from Lord Brahma. No man or god could kill him; only a woman could. Empowered by this, he unleashed terror across the three realms—Bhu Lok (Earth), Patal Lok (the underworld), and Dev Lok (heaven).
Unable to defeat him, the gods sought a new force. The holy trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—combined their divine powers to give birth to Goddess Durga (Shakti). For nine fierce nights, she fought Mahishasura in an epic battle. On the tenth day, she finally slew him.
This victory is why Navratri is celebrated for nine nights, and the tenth day—Vijayadashami or Dussehra—marks the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Legend II: Rama’s Victory Over Ravana
Another tale ties Navratri to Lord Rama’s battle against Ravana. Before marching to Lanka to rescue Sita, Rama performed a special puja to Goddess Durga, which required 108 lotuses.
But he could only find 107. To complete the ritual, Rama, known as Kamalnayan (the lotus-eyed one), offered one of his own eyes as the final lotus. Pleased with his devotion and sacrifice, Maa Durga blessed him with divine strength. Empowered, Rama defeated Ravana—once again, good overcame evil.
Legend III: Uma’s Homecoming
In yet another version, Navratri celebrates the homecoming of Goddess Uma (Durga), daughter of the Himalayas. For nine days, she returns to her parents’ home with her children. These days of reunion and festivity are marked as Navratri, during which devotees worship her nine forms.
How India Celebrates Navratri
Navratri’s beauty lies in its diversity. The festival takes on different colors and expressions across India, yet the spirit remains the same.
In the East & Northeast: Durga Puja
In states like West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, and Odisha, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja. Here, the focus is on Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
Kolkata, especially, comes alive with unmatched grandeur. Massive, artistic idols of Durga slaying Mahishasura are installed in beautifully decorated pandals (temporary structures). For four days—Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami—people throng pandals to pray, admire the art, and soak in the festive spirit. On the tenth day, the idols are immersed in rivers and lakes, marking Durga’s return to her celestial abode.
The experience of Kolkata’s Durga Puja is often called magical and unforgettable. From the rhythmic beats of the dhaak drums, to the vibrant dances, to the irresistible aroma of street food around the pandals—it’s a celebration that overwhelms every sense. Many believe it’s something one must witness at least once in a lifetime.
North India: The Spirit of Ramlila & Dussehra
In the northern states, Navratri celebrations lead up to Dussehra, which marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana.
For nine nights, the story of Rama’s life—his birth, exile (Vanvas), Sita’s abduction, and the great war—is brought alive through the Ramlila, a dramatic retelling performed in towns and cities. On the tenth day, effigies of Ravana, often stuffed with fireworks, are set ablaze in public grounds, symbolizing the destruction of evil. Among the most famous of these is the Lal Quila Ramlila and Ravan Dahan in Delhi.
Fasting is also an important aspect. Traditionally, men in the North keep the Navratri fasts, as women are already seen as embodiments of Shakti. Many families also give up non-vegetarian food from Ganesh Chaturthi or Raksha Bandhan until Dussehra.
Another cherished ritual is Kanya Puja, held on either Ashtami (8th day) or Navami (9th day). Families invite nine young girls—representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga—and one boy symbolizing Lord Hanuman. Their feet are washed, they are offered food and gifts, and blessings are sought from them.
Further north, Kullu Dussehra in Himachal Pradesh is legendary. Starting on Vijayadashami, the entire Kullu Valley comes alive with processions of idols, cultural performances, music, and dance. The festivities end with the symbolic burning of Lanka (Lankadahan) on the banks of the River Beas—a spectacle that rivals even the grandeur of Durga Puja in the East.
South India: Royal Splendor & Cultural Traditions
In the South, Navratri takes on a regal and deeply cultural flavor.
In Mysore, the highlight is the royal Dasara procession on Vijayadashami. On the ninth day (Mahanavami), the royal sword is worshipped, and on the tenth day, the image of Goddess Chamundeshwari is placed in a golden seat (hauda) atop a decorated elephant. The grand procession winds through the city streets, accompanied by tableaux, musicians, dancers, elephants, horses, and even camels.
Another tradition involves worshipping knowledge itself. In some regions, children’s books and scriptures are placed in the puja room and dedicated to Maa Saraswati on the seventh day. On the tenth day, the books are retrieved, symbolizing a fresh blessing for learning and wisdom.
Perhaps the most unique celebration is the Golu (Kolu) festival in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Families create themed displays of dolls and figurines—depicting gods, goddesses, animals, daily life, and mythological stories. Friends and neighbors visit each other’s homes to admire the Golu arrangements, exchange sweets, and share festive cheer. This transforms Navratri into not just a spiritual observance but also a vibrant social gathering..
A big thank you to my friend and IIMA batchmate (1985–87), Srikumar, for sharing the beautiful images of his Kolu setup and for explaining the tradition so thoughtfully.
As Srikumar points out, Kolu in Tamil refers to the special arrangement of dolls during Navratri. The belief is that the Goddess herself comes as a little girl each day of the festival, and the dolls are arranged as if for her to play with. Among the most common elements is a traditional wooden couple—its design remains constant even though the size may vary from home to home. Another familiar sight is the plump Chettiar doll, symbolizing the business community (Chettiars), whose roots connect to similar trading castes across India like Seths, Sethis, and Shettys.
Adding to the charm of the display is a ritual where mustard seeds are planted in a shallow bed. During Navratri, these seeds sprout and are placed beside the Kolu, signifying growth, fertility, and prosperity.
Thanks again, Srikumar, for sharing not just the images but also the essence behind the tradition—it makes the celebration come alive in its cultural depth.
Bathukamma – Telangana’s Floral Celebration
In Telangana, Navratri begins with a unique and vibrant tradition called Bathukamma, created a day before the festival starts. Bathukamma literally means “Mother Goddess, come alive”—and the celebration truly reflects that spirit.
Women craft beautiful, tiered arrangements of flowers, with marigolds being the most prominent. At the heart of this floral tower sits a small idol made of turmeric powder, symbolizing Goddess Gowri—a powerful form of Durga/Parvati.
Each evening, women gather around the Bathukamma, dancing in circles while clapping or striking sticks in rhythm, as they sing heartfelt folk songs celebrating the power of Lord Shiva, Maa Gowri, and stories from the Ramayana. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, color, and music.
At the end of the day’s celebrations, the Bathukamma is immersed in a nearby water body—ideally flowing water—only to be recreated fresh the next day. This continues for all nine nights, with the festivities culminating on Durgashtami, when Goddess Durga is worshipped in her radiant form as Maha Gowri.
West India: Garba, Dandiya & Sacred Traditions
In western India, especially Gujarat, Navratri is synonymous with music, dance, and dazzling celebrations. For nine nights, communities gather in pandals and mandaps to perform the vibrant dances of Garba and Dandiya Raas. Women light a Garbi—a clay lamp that symbolizes the womb, the eternal source of life and the universe itself. Devotees perform aarti around it, with an idol of Goddess Shakti placed at the center, before the night erupts into rhythmic claps, colorful twirls, and the sound of sticks striking in harmony.
In the Malwa region, another important ritual takes place on Dussehra—the worship of the Shami tree (also called Jammi in some regions). Its leaves, known by different names across states—Khejri in Rajasthan, Janti in Haryana, and Jand in Punjab—are exchanged among families as blessings and symbols of goodwill.
This tradition has roots in the Mahabharata. Before going into their final year of exile (Agyatvaas), the Pandavas hid their weapons in a Shami tree to remain unrecognized. When they returned to reclaim their arms, they first worshipped the tree in gratitude. That reverence continues today as families honor the Shami plant on Dussehra, seeking strength, victory, and divine blessings.
The Nine Forms of Durga Worshipped During Navratri
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known collectively as Navadurga. Each form represents a distinct aspect of divine power, carrying its own symbolism, appearance, and associated color of worship.
Day 1 – Shailaputri (Daughter of the Mountains)
- Incarnation of: Parvati (wife of Lord Shiva), also linked with goddess Mahakali.
- Form: Rides a bull (Nandi), holds a Trishul in her right hand and a lotus in her left.
- Symbolism: Strength, devotion, and new beginnings.
- Auspicious color: Grey (alternate: Yellow).
Day 2 – Brahmacharini (The Ascetic Goddess)
- Incarnation of: Unmarried form of Parvati.
- Form: Walks barefoot, carries a japa mala (rosary) in one hand and a kamandal (water pot) in the other.
- Symbolism: Tapas (penance), peace, calmness, and prosperity.
- Auspicious color: Orange (alternate: Green).
Day 3 – Chandraghanta (The Goddess of Courage)
- Incarnation of: Parvati after marriage to Lord Shiva.
- Form: Bears a crescent moon (ardha chandra) on her forehead like a bell (ghanta). Embodiment of beauty and bravery.
- Symbolism: Courage, fearlessness, and protection from evil.
- Auspicious color: White (alternate: Grey).
Day 4 – Kushmanda (The Cosmic Creator)
- Auspicious color: Red (alternate: Orange).
- Form: Known as the creator of the universe with her radiant smile. Associated with vegetation and abundance.
- Symbolism: Nurturing life, energy, and vitality.
Day 5 – Skandamata (Mother of Skanda/Kartikeya)
- Incarnation of: Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya, the commander of the gods).
- Form: Rides a lion, holds baby Skanda in her lap, has four arms.
- Symbolism: Motherhood, compassion, and selfless love.
- Auspicious color: Blue (alternate: White).
- Day 6 – Katyayani (The Warrior Goddess)
- Birth: Born to sage Katyayana.
- Form: Fierce and warrior-like, rides a lion, with four hands.
- Symbolism: Courage, aggression against evil, and ultimate victory. Also associated with Mahalakshmi.
- Auspicious color: Pink (alternate: Red).
- Day 7 – Kalaratri (The Fierce Protector)
- Form: The most fearsome form of Durga. Dark-skinned, with disheveled hair and intense rage in her eyes. Legend says Parvati shed her golden skin, revealing this dark form, to kill demons Sumbha and Nisumbha.
- Symbolism: Protection from negativity, destruction of fear and ignorance.
- Auspicious color: Royal Blue (alternate: Dark Blue).
Day 8 – Mahagauri (The Radiant Goddess)
- Form: Extremely fair, calm, and compassionate. Symbol of purity and serenity.
- Symbolism: Intelligence, peace, and harmony.
- Auspicious color: Yellow (alternate: Pink).
Day 9 – Siddhidatri (The Bestower of Siddhis)
- Form: Sits on a lotus, holding a mace, discus, conch, and lotus. Sometimes also referred to as a form of Lakshmi.
- Symbolism: Grants Siddhis (spiritual powers) and fulfills divine aspirations.
- Auspicious color: Green (alternate: Violet).
WHY AND WHAT ARE THE TWO COLOUR CODES FOR THE DAY?
The practice of assigning specific colors to each day of Navratri is a fairly recent addition and not something rooted in ancient tradition. It is believed that a Marathi newspaper popularized the idea in the last decade, and over time it became a widely followed trend.
Today, many people enjoy dressing according to the daily color code—it adds fun, unity, and festive energy to the celebrations. But it’s important to remember that the essence of Navratri lies in devotion, not dress codes. You are free to wear what you like, whether it matches the “color of the day,” what your friends are wearing, or even what pops up on your WhatsApp group. The Goddess blesses you for your faith, not your outfit.
BLOG/85/2020/IgnorantHindu/009/UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025
PROJECT IGNORANT HINDU.
Rituals, myths, and meaning—decoded for today. Read more at #IgnorantHindu
#IgnorantHindu began as a personal realisation—that the younger generation often knows surprisingly little about Hindu festivals, rituals, culture, and mythology. This gap in understanding sometimes leaves them indifferent, or worse, defensive about traditions they feel disconnected from.
What started as curiosity has since grown into an evolving project of exploration, learning, and sharing. Along the way, I’ve discovered not just forgotten details of rituals, but also fresh perspectives that challenge my own assumptions. In trying to decode the “ignorance,” I’ve found myself becoming a student again—of history, symbolism, faith, and lived practices.
#IgnorantHindu isn’t about preaching. It’s about asking questions, collecting stories, rediscovering meanings, and building a space where tradition meets inquiry. And like every evolving journey, it grows richer when more voices join in.
#IgnorantHindu -A journey of learning, unlearning, and sharing Hindu rituals and culture.
LIVING PROJECT
This blog is not a finished product—it’s a living project that keeps evolving with every story, insight, and regional nuance readers like you share. Many have already contributed their knowledge, and I’ve been glad to weave their perspectives in, with full credit. That’s what makes this space richer and more meaningful.
If you have stories, local practices, or even small details, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me an email or a DM on Twitter at @S_kotnala—your voice matters here.
And if you found this piece useful, do pass it along to friends, family, or anyone who may find value in it. After all, the more we share, the stronger and more vibrant this collective archive becomes.
Some of the festivals and episodes covered are Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Antim Sanskar, Yama- the lord of death, Baishakhi and Bihu, Holi, Makar Sankranti, Assthmangal Prasanam- the way of predicting future, Rahu-Ketu– the shadow planets, the 12 houses of horoscope, Maa Narmada Parikrama, Mahashivratri, Bhai Dooj, Navratri, Diwali, Dhanteras, Karva Chauth, Dussehra or Vijyadashmi, Ram Navami, Adhik Mass– the Hindu leap year and Shradh And Pitra Shrad.
DISCLAIMER
This collation of information does not guarantee factual correctness. It is a collation from different sources. The author is not an expert on the subject. This is part of the #IgnorantHindu series of articles and blogs- where the author has tried to place basic information for public consumption.
