2025 - Navratri - 22/09/2025

Navratri is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India with great enthusiasm and devotion. It lasts for nine nights and is dedicated to the worship of the Goddess Durga in her various forms. The word "Navratri" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Nav" meaning nine and "Ratri" meaning night. This festival typically falls in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin, which usually falls in September or October in the Gregorian calendar.

Here's an explanation of each of the nine days of Navratri from an Indian Hindu perspective:

🌸 Navratri 9 Days – Detailed Explanation

Day 1 – Maa Shailputri (शैलपुत्री माता)

• Name meaning: "Daughter of the Mountain" (Himalaya).

• Form: First manifestation of Maa Durga, incarnation of Goddess Parvati.

• Appearance: Rides a bull (Nandi), holds a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other.

• Symbolism: Represents nature, strength, and purity.

• Blessings: Brings stability, courage, and strong beginnings in life.

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   Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini (ब्रह्मचारिणी माता)

   • Name meaning: "One who follows the path of devotion and penance".

   • Form: Unmarried form of Parvati, performing tapasya to attain Lord Shiva as her husband.

   • Appearance: Walks barefoot, holds a rosary (japa mala) in her right hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left.

   • Symbolism: Represents penance, wisdom, and meditation.

   • Blessings: Grants knowledge, peace, and spiritual strength.

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   Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta (चंद्रघंटा माता)

   • Name meaning: "One who wears the crescent moon like a bell".

   • Form: Warrior form of Maa Durga.

   • Appearance: Rides a tiger, has ten hands, carries weapons, lotus, and bell.

   • Symbolism: Represents courage, fearlessness, and protection.

   • Blessings: Removes fears, blesses devotees with bravery, peace, and grace.

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   Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda (कूष्माण्डा माता)

   • Name meaning: "The one who created the universe with her smile".

   • Form: Known as the creator of the universe.

   • Appearance: Has eight arms, holds weapons, rosary, and nectar pot, rides a lion.

   • Symbolism: Represents energy, vitality, and health.

   • Blessings: Brings positivity, creativity, and strength in life.

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   Day 5 – Maa Skandamata (स्कन्दमाता माता)

   • Name meaning: "Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)".

   • Form: Depicted with Lord Kartikeya (Skanda) seated on her lap.

   • Appearance: Has four arms, holds lotus flowers, rides a lion.

   • Symbolism: Represents motherhood, love, and compassion.

   • Blessings: Provides protection, prosperity, and grants wisdom through motherly love.

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   Day 6 – Maa Katyayani (कात्यायनी माता)

   • Name meaning: Born to Sage Katyayan, hence called Katyayani.

   • Form: Fierce warrior form of Maa Durga, slayer of demon Mahishasura.

   • Appearance: Has four hands, carries a sword and lotus, rides a lion.

   • Symbolism: Represents courage, valor, and justice.

   • Blessings: Removes obstacles, grants strength, victory, and success in life.

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   Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri (कालरात्रि माता)

   • Name meaning: "The Dark Night", fiercest form of Maa Durga.

   • Form: Goddess who destroys evil and negativity.

   • Appearance: Black complexion, disheveled hair, rides a donkey, carries a sword and iron hook, gives blessings with other hands.

   • Symbolism: Represents destruction of ignorance, evil, and fear.

   • Blessings: Protects from ghosts, black magic, evil energies, and grants inner power.

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   Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri (महागौरी माता)

   • Name meaning: "The extremely fair and radiant one".

   • Form: Calm, compassionate form of Maa Durga, who became white and radiant after deep penance.

   • Appearance: Has four hands, rides a bull, holds trident and damru.

   • Symbolism: Represents purity, serenity, and divine blessings.

   • Blessings: Grants peace, prosperity, removes past sins, and fulfills desires.

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   Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri (सिद्धिदात्री माता)

   • Name meaning: "Bestower of supernatural powers (siddhis)".

   • Form: Supreme form of Goddess Durga, worshipped by gods, saints, and humans alike.

   • Appearance: Seated on a lotus, has four arms, holds a mace, discus, lotus, and conch.

   • Symbolism: Represents perfection, spiritual fulfillment, and divine grace.

   • Blessings: Grants all siddhis, success, prosperity, and liberation.

These nine days are often accompanied by fasting, prayer, music, dance, and various cultural celebrations, including Garba and Dandiya Raas dances in many parts of India. Navratri is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and connecting with the divine feminine energy that permeates the universe. It's a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and the renewal of faith and hope in the hearts of devotees.