Point to Consider: Navratri tithis are based on the “lunar calendar” and hence can vary slightly based on location. Check your local “Panchang” for:

• Ghatasthapana

• Ashtami

• Navami

• Vijayadashami 

These nine days are dedicated to “Maa Durga and her nine forms.” Each form of the goddess represents a different quality:

• Maa Shailputri: This form of goddess is worshipped on Day 1. Her name means “daughter of the mountain”. She represents strength and a firm foundation (steady base).

• Maa Brahmacharini: This form of Maa Durga teaches us about devotion and patience. Her form also reminds us to keep moving forward while remaining calm when life gets hard.

• Maa Chandraghanta: This form is associated with courage, peace and protection. She reminds devotees to face challenges without “fear.”

• Maa Kushmanda: This form represents divine energy, positivity and the power that gives life and warmth to creation. 

• Maa Skandamata: She is the mother of “Bhagwan Kartikeya.” Devotees see in her a mother's love, care and protection.

• Maa Katyayani: This form of Maa Durga represents courage and determination. She always teaches her devotees to stand firmly against what is wrong. 

• Maa Kalaratri: This form might look fierce, but she is the destroyer of fear and darkness. Her worship gives “fearlessness.”

• Maa Mahagauri: This form represents purity, peace and compassion. Devotees believe worshiping her brings a sense of calmness.

• Maa Siddhidatri: She is the ninth form of “Navadurga.” Spiritual wisdom, fulfilment and divine grace are linked with her. 

The nine forms of Maa Durga remind us that “Shakti takes many forms.” Each day, we bow to a different form and remember a different quality.

Gujarat is known for “Garba” and “Dandiya.” People dance late into the night for all nine days. Over in West Bengal, the festival mostly means “Durga puja.” Large, decorated pandals come up in neighbourhoods. 

In many parts of North India, devotees observe vrat, visit Maa Durga temples, perform “Kanya Pujan” and take part in “Ram Leela”.  Down south, homes are set up in “Golu,” also called “Bommai Kolu.” Dolls are arranged on steps, and relatives and neighbours visit to see them.

The samagri may vary depending on the family tradition and various other factors. Hence, are the common items that are used in Navratri puja in most of the households:

• Maa Durga idol or picture

• Kalash

• Coconut

• Mango leaves

• Roli and kumkum

• Akshat

• Flowers

• Diya and ghee or oil

• Dhoop or incense

• Fruits

• Bhog or prasad

• Red cloth

• Moli or sacred thread

• Betel leaves and supari

• Wake up, take a bath and wear clean clothes

• Clean the puja area and keep the “Kalash” and “Maa Durga” idol or picture

• Light a diya and begin the puja

• Offer flowers, kumkum, akshat, and fruits to Maa Durga

• Recite Durga mantras like “Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike Sharanye Tryambake Gauri Narayani Namostute,” or “Durga Saptashati”

• Perform Maa Durga's aarti and distribute the prasad

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