Navratri- Special Rituals to Worship the 9 Forms of Devi

We’re a land of the Devi. And when it’s the Highest form of Mother, where we celebrate the Devis as per Hindu tradition during the 9 days of Navratri, the air is filled with huge devotion.

In 2025, Shardiya Navratri or the Navratri begins on 22nd September and will complete its 9-day cycle on 2nd October. Mr. Prashant Kapoor, the world’s 1st medical astrologer, explains the significance of Navratri and the significance of this festival where good triumphs over wrong.

Traditionally, Navratri is a form of festivity for Goddess Durga’s victory over the rakshas king Mahishasur. He was a buffalo demon who had defeated the Gods, but was cursed to be killed by a woman. Hence, all the Gods combined their powers together to produce Maa Durga, who fought Mahishasur for 9 days and 9 nights. On the 10th day, she defeated him and claimed victory. The nine nights of Navratri celebrate the 9 forms of Maa Durga, or Navdurga. And the 10th day is called Vijayadashmi or Dussehra.

Let us deep-dive into the 9 forms of Durga:

Day 1: Shailaputri Devi, or the daughter of the mountains, is the first form of Maa Durga and celebrates purity and strength. Usually, devotees wear yellow colour on this day.

Day 2: Brahmacharini Devi is worshipped on the 2^nd day of Navratri. She is the symbol of devotion, wisdom, and penance, and on this day, devotees should wear green coloured attire.

Day 3: Chandraghanta Devi or The Warrior Goddess, from the name symbolises strength and fearlessness. Devotees should be dressed in grey colour attire on this day.

Day 4: Kushmanda Devi or The Cosmic Mother is celebrated on the 4^th day of Navratri. Devotees should wear the orange colour on this day for prosperity.

Day 5: Skandamata Devi, known to be the mother of Lord Kartikeya, as per Hindu traditions, is worshipped on the 5^th day. She blesses devotees with wisdom and knowledge. And devotees should wear white clothes on this day.

Day 6: Katyayani Devi, or The Fierce Warrior, symbolises devotion and should be prayed to for a successful married life. Devotees should wear red on this day.

Day 7: Kalaratri Devi, or the Fierce Dark Goddess, removes the dark clouds from your life. One should wear blue on this day.

Day 8: Mahagauri is celebrated on this day. Devotees usually wear pink on this day. They also perform Kanya Pujan, where they call kanyas to their homes and feed them with sweets and a feast.

Day 9: The last day of Navratri is dedicated to Siddhidatri Devi, who blesses with spiritual and material wealth. Devotees should wear purple on this day.

Rituals to follow

• Kanya Pujan should be done on the 8^th day of Navratri, by calling 8 kanyas home and feeding them.
• Devotees can also observe fast for all 9 days of Navratri and consume only sattvic food like nuts, fruits, and milk.
• Garba and Dandiya are played for all 9 nights by youngsters, and all ages.
• Pray every day to Maa Durga during the 9 days of Navratri.

Navratri is a 9-day period to invoke strength, valour, devotion, and wisdom back into our lives. So, devotees should pray to Goddess Durga diligently for her blessing.