Most of you probably know that Navratri is celebrated just
prior to the Dassehra festival and that it represents the celebration of
Goddess Durga, the manifestation of the deity in the form of Shakti. This 9 day
festival culminates with the 10th day known as Vijayadashmi. Did you know, however, that actually Navratri is celebrated
5 times a year? That’s right - each time it is a 9 day festival in honour of
the 9 forms of the Mother Goddess known as Shakti.
Durga Navami Festivals
1. Vasanta Navratri
- Also known as: Basant Navratri / Chaitra Navaratra / Raama Navratri
- When it is celebrated: In the months of March-April during the spring season.
2. Gupta Navratri
- Also known as: Gayatri Navratri / Shakambhari Navratri
- When it is celebrated: In the months of June-July known as Ashadha. To be more specific, it is celebrated during the waxing phase of the moon, known as Ashadha Shukla Paksha. I
3. Sharada Navratri: This is regarded as the most important
of the navratri festivals,
- Also known as: Maha Navratri
- When it is celebrated: In the months of September-October during the onset of winter (known as Sharad). This is the month of Ashvina.
4. Paush Navratri
- When it is celebrated: In the months of December-January during the waxing phase of the moon, known as Paush Shukla Paush.
5. Magha Navratri
- Also known as: Gupta Navratri
- When it is celebrated: In the months of January-February during the waxing phase of the moon, known as Magha Shukla Paksha.