Sharad Navaratri 2025

Sharad Navaratri — the nine sacred nights of autumn — is the most widely celebrated of the four Navaratris, earning the title Maha Navaratri. It begins on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada (the first day of the bright fortnight in Ashwin) and culminates on Navami, followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on the 10th day. For nine nights, the entire subcontinent turns its focus to the Goddess in her nine forms — the Navadurga — worshipping her through fast, prayer, dance, and spectacular public ceremony.

The nine nights take on dramatically different expressions across India. In Gujarat, Navaratri is synonymous with Garba and Dandiya Raas — circular folk dances performed around a central lamp or image of Amba Mata, lasting all night for nine nights. In West Bengal and Assam, it is Durga Puja — one of the world's great religious spectacles, with elaborate clay idols of Durga slaying Mahishasura installed in decorated pandals (temporary shrines) throughout every neighbourhood. In Karnataka, Mysore Dasara is the royal celebration — a 400-year tradition of elephant processions, illuminated palaces, and Nada Habba (state festival). In South India, Golu (Bommai Kolu) fills homes with tiered displays of dolls and figurines depicting divine stories.

At the heart of Navaratri is the worship of the nine forms of Devi — the Navadurga. Each day is dedicated to one form: Shailputri (mountain daughter), Brahmacharini (the ascetic), Chandraghanta (crescent-adorned), Kushmanda (creator of the cosmic egg), Skandamata (mother of Kartikeya), Katyayani (warrior goddess), Kaalratri (the dark night), Mahagauri (the radiant white), and Siddhidatri (bestower of supernatural powers). Devotees fast, offer flowers, and recite the Durga Saptashati — 700 verses in praise of the Goddess.