What is Navratri?
Navratri means "nine nights". It is one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festivals and honours Goddess Durga in her nine forms, known as Navadurga. Each day is devoted to one form, starting with Shailaputri and ending with Siddhidatri.
How is it celebrated?
Families keep fasts, perform the ghatasthapana ritual on the first day and offer prayers every morning and evening. In Gujarat, nights come alive with garba and dandiya raas. In West Bengal the same period is celebrated as Durga Puja, with grand pandals and idol immersion on the last day.
Colours of the nine days
Many devotees wear a specific colour each day of Navratri. It has become a fun tradition shared among friends, colleagues and families. The festival ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), which celebrates the victory of good over evil.