Navaratri
annual Hindu festival
Navaratri (Sanskrit: नवरात्रि, romanized: Navarātri) is an annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga, an aspect of Adi Parashakti, the supreme goddess. It spans over nine nights, first in the month of Chaitra (March/April of the Gregorian calendar), and again in the month of Ashvin (September–October). It is observed for different reasons and celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu - Indian cultural sphere. Theoretically, there are four seasonal Navaratris. However, in practice, it is the post-monsoon autumn festival called Sharada Navaratri. There are also two additional Navaratris as well, in Shukla Paksha of the Magha Month (Magha Gupta Navaratri) and another in the Shukla Paksha of Ashadha Month.
Etymology and nomenclature
The word Navarātram means "a period of nine nights" in Sanskrit, nava meaning "nine" and ratri meaning "night".
Dates and celebrations
In the eastern and northeastern states of India, the Durga Puja is synonymous with Navaratri, wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon Mahishasura to help restore dharma. In southern states, the victory of Durga or Kali is celebrated. In the western state of Gujarat, Navaratri celebrations are constituted by arti, followed by garba.
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