The 9 Day Navratri Celebration Begins in India

Navratri is a nine day festival that is celebrated by Hindus to worship Goddess Durga. Navratri word is derived from Sanskrit words “Nav” which means “Nine” and “Ratri” which means “Nights”. So, this festival is celebrated for nine days. Each day has its own importance and meaning. During these nine days, people worship nine forms of Goddesss Durga like Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahamcharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandmata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, Maa Sidhidaatri .

Navratri is mostly celebrated in Gujarat, Kolkata and Bengal.In Gujarat, people perform Garba and Dandiya at nights.Temples are fully decorated with lights on these days. There is so much crowd in temples.On the tenth day of Navratri, Vijaydashami (Dusshera) is celebrated. People fully celebrate these ten days with lots of happiness and joy.

Some people also keep fasts and  eat only fruits and drink milk during these nine days and nights. Some also take meal once a day that is prepared without the use of onion and garlic. Some people light a Jyot in front of Maa Durga and perform Aarti at nights. Some people stay awake the whole nights during these days.