Navratri is an auspicious Hindu festival. The nine-day festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The revered festival includes prayers, fasting, music, dance, and several other cultural activities.

The Navaratri that falls before onset of winters is called Sharadiya Navratri. One of the story behind celebrating Sharadiya Navratri from Hindu Puran is the battle between Goddess Durga and demon Mahishasura. Mahishasur was a demon, who received a boon from Lord Brahma, making him invincible against any man or God. However, after receiving the boon from Brahma, he became rutheless and wreaked havoc everwhere. Gods were unable to defeat the demon, so they approached Goddess Durga for help. Thereafter, she mounted a lion and headed to have a fierce battle with Mahishasura that lasted for nine days and nights and she finally defeated the demon.

Another story from the Puraan related to Sharadiya Navratri is the battle between Lord Ram and demon Ravan. Before tha final war, Lord Ram fasts and prays to Devi Shakti for 9 days. After blessings from Devi Shakti, on 10th day Lord Ram defeats and kills Ravan. This 10th day is celebrated as Dusheera.

Every year people observe Navratri, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Each day symbolises the nine forms of Durga in different parts of life, power, knowledge, wealth and propserity.

The nine-day festival holds great meaning and has a long history of being celebrated across the country. The festive season begins with people from different communities worshipping Goddess Durga, and marking the victory of light over darkness. Apart from pujas, thousands of devotees, especially in Gujarat, celebrate the festival with the Garba dance. Grand Durga Pujas are organised across the country, making it a festival of devotion-filled fasting and prayers. Story from Ramayan is also recited through plays and Ramleela across India, especially Northern India.

We wish you and your family a very Shubh Navratri. May Maa Durga bless everyone.