The auspicious Hindu festival of Navratri is almost here and goddess Durga devotees across the country are gearing up to welcome the Devi home and partake in the nine-day festivities, marked by fasting, feasting and worshipping the goddess. Nine forms of Maa Durga is worshipped during this time namely - Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. Navratri is celebrated four times a year, two of which are referred to as the Gupt Navratris. While Chaitra Navratri is observed in the month of Chaitra (March-April), Shardiya Navratri falls in September or October.
This year, Navratri festivities will begin from Thursday, October 3, 2024. Navratri is celebrated across the country with slightly varied traditions. In West Bengal, Durga Puja is celebrated with much fervor for four days. This year it will begin from October 9 and culminate with Maha Dashami, also known as Dussehra on October 12.
