Navaratri 2022: Know about the nine forms of Goddess Durga, auspicious festival dates

Navaratri is one of the most celebrated and revered Hindu festivals which is observed each year for night nights (and ten days) in the honour of Mother Goddess Durga.

In Sanskrit, the word Navaratri means 'nine nights' - nava stands for nine, whereas ratri means nights. Each day is associated to an incarnation of the Goddess Durga which includes: Day 1 – Shailaputri, Day 2 – Brahmacharini, Day 3 – Chandraghanta, Day 4 – Kushmanda, Day 5 – Skandamata, Day 6 – Katyayani, Day 7 – Kaalaratri, Day 8 – Mahagauri, Day 9 – Siddhidatri.

The nine nights worship nine different forms of Maa Durga. In different states across India, people celebrate the festival differently.


In the eastern and northeastern states, people prepare for the Durga Puja which is observed to celebrate goddess Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasur as she restores dharma. In southern states, people celebrate the victory of Durga or Kali. Navaratri is also known as Shariya Navaratri.

Devotees across the country decorate stages, hold recitals of old, legendary tales. People, along with their friends and families, also visit pandals to seek blessings from goddess Durga.

As per the Hindu calendar, the festival is most celebrated between September-October and this year, it will be celebrated from September 26 to October 5.

Many devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting for nine nights. The festival concludes on the final day which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. As per the legend, it is said that on this day, Lord Shri Ram rescued Sita by killing Ravana in Lanka.