Navratri is a nine-night celebration of Durga, the Hindu mother goddess. It begins on the first new moon in early autumn – usually late September or early October in the month of Ashwin.
Navratri comes from the Sanskrit nava, meaning "nine" and ratri, meaning "nights." The festival is also called Sharada Navratri or Maha Navratri, meaning "great Navratri."
The legend associated with Navratri speaks about the great battle that took place between the powerful demon Mahishasuraand Goddess
Durga. Mahishasura was blessed with immortality by Lord Brahma under one condition that the powerful Mahishasura could be defeated only by a woman.
Durga represents shakti, or female divine energy and purity. It is believed that Durga fought a nine-day battle against the demon, Mahishasura, at the end of which she was victorious, symbolizing good over evil. During Navratri, the goddess Durga is honored in her nine forms and each form has a particular mantra for meditation.
Navratri comes from the Sanskrit nava, meaning "nine" and ratri, meaning "nights." The festival is also called Sharada Navratri or Maha Navratri, meaning "great Navratri."
The legend associated with Navratri speaks about the great battle that took place between the powerful demon Mahishasuraand Goddess
Durga. Mahishasura was blessed with immortality by Lord Brahma under one condition that the powerful Mahishasura could be defeated only by a woman.
Durga represents shakti, or female divine energy and purity. It is believed that Durga fought a nine-day battle against the demon, Mahishasura, at the end of which she was victorious, symbolizing good over evil. During Navratri, the goddess Durga is honored in her nine forms and each form has a particular mantra for meditation.