Navaratri is one of the most enigmatic festivals of India that goes on for nine nights and ten days. The whole festival is in honour of Goddess Durga who is considered to be the Supreme Shakti of the universe. The name Navratri is self-explanatory which means nine nights (Nava=nine and ratri=nights). Navratri is celebrated in honour of Goddess Durga’s victory over the evil demon Mahishasura. The day after the 10 days of Navaratri is celebrated as Dusshera which also marks the triumph of good over evil.

The dates for Navaratri in 2016 are from 1st to 10th October. Each of the nine days of Navaratri holds a certain importance and significance.

Day 1

The first form of Goddess Durga is called Shailputri. Shail means ‘Himalayas’ and Putri means ‘Daughter’. Hence the name means that Shailputri is the daughter of the Himalayas. She is an incarnation of Shakti, the consort of Lord Shiva.

 Day 2

The second form of Goddess Durga is known as Brahmacharini. This name is derived from the word 'Brahma', which means 'Tapa' or penance. She is also an incarnation of Uma or Parvati, a form of Mata Shakti.

Day 3

On the third day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Chandraghanta. The meaning of the name is translated as ‘One who has a half-moon shaped like a bell’. Chandraghanta is believed to be the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery.

Day 4

Kushmanda, is the form of Goddess Durga which is worshipped on the fourth day. Kushmanda is said to be the creator of the entire universe and she has created the entire universe by her laugh. The name stands for a ‘cosmic egg of energy’.

Day 5

On the fifth day, the form of Goddess Durga is called Skandamata. She is actually called so because she is here represented as the mother of Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), the chief warrior of the army of the Gods.

Day 6

On the sixth day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Katyayani. Seated on the lion as her vehicle, Katyayani has three eyes and four hands. Katyayani is associated with one of the fiercest forms of Shakti.

Day 7

On the seventh day, Goddess Durga is worshipped as Kalrati. As the name suggests, Kalrati is as black as a dark night. She has four hands and devotion in Kalrati is believed to make her devotees fearless.

 

 

Day 8

On the eighth day, the Goddess Durga is worshipped as Maha Gauri. She is considered to be extremely beautiful, with skin white like snow and accessorized with white coloured ornaments. She is the representation of calmness and exhibits wisdom.

Day 9

Siddhidatri is the final form of Goddess which is worshipped on the final day. The name can be translated as the ‘One who gives supernatural power’. It is believed she consists of all the eight siddhis. She lives on the lotus and is worshipped by all the Sages, Siddhas, Sadhakas and Yogis.