Navaratri

Hindu festival · goddess Durga · India · celebration

Nine Nights of Power. Navaratri means nine nights and celebrates the goddess Durga, who represents strength and victory over darkness. The festival happens twice a year, but the autumn version in September or October is the most popular.

Seasonal Celebrations. Navaratri is tied to the changing seasons and happens at special times of the year when the weather shifts. Different regions of India celebrate it in their own unique ways with their own traditions and customs.

Regional Differences. While Navaratri honors the same goddess everywhere, people celebrate it differently depending on where they live in India and the Hindu cultural world. Some regions have special dances, some have special foods, and some have their own unique rituals.

Four Seasonal Versions. There are actually four different Navaratris that can happen throughout the year according to the Hindu calendar. The autumn Navaratri in fall is the one most people celebrate and know about.