Meet the Navadurga: Nine Amazing Goddesses!

Navadurga—literally "Nine Durgas"—are nine powerful and beautiful forms of Goddess Durga, each symbolizing a special power like strength, wisdom, protection, and hope. Worshipping them across nine magical nights, people celebrate their different forms as they help us learn courage, kindness, and resilience (Wikipedia).

Here are their names and super-cool meanings:

1. Shailaputri – Daughter of the Mountain
2. Brahmacharini – The Penitent Warrior
3. Chandraghanta – The Moon’s Bell
4. Kushmanda – Cosmic Energy & Light
5. Skandamata – Mother of Skanda
6. Katyayani – Born of Sage Katya
7. Kalaratri – Power of the Dark Night
8. Mahagauri – Radiant and Purifying
9. Siddhidatri – Giver of Supernatural Powers

When is Navratri? Let’s Mark Our Calendars!

The Sharad Navratri (Autumn Navratri) in 2025 starts on Monday, 22 September and ends on Wednesday, 1 October, followed by the grand Vijayadashami or Dussehra on 2 October (Times of India).

Another Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, happens in spring—this year from 30 March to 7 April 2025, marking the Hindu New Year with festivals, fasting, and joy.

What Happens During Navratri?

• Daily Goddess-Power Celebrations: Each day, devotees worship one form of the Navadurga, offering flowers, sweets, and prayers, often wearing a special color of the day.
• Ghatasthapana: The festival begins with a ritual to install a sacred pot (kalash) to invite Goddess Durga into homes.
• Kanya Puja: On the 8th or 9th day, nine young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the goddess (Kanya Puja – Wikipedia).
• Dance & Music: In Gujarat, people enjoy Garba and Dandiya; in Karnataka, the grand Mysore Dasara is celebrated with royal parades.
• Family Traditions: In South India, families arrange Golu doll displays, while in North India, Ramlila and Dussehra celebrations take over.

Why People – Especially Kids – Love Navratri

• Colors and costumes for each day make it exciting.
• Dancing and singing like Garba feels festive and joyful.
• Sweet treats like kheer, laddoos, and halwa make everyone happy.
• Stories of courage inspire children to believe good always wins.
• Bonding time with family, friends, and communities.

Navratri is not just about prayers—it’s nine days of devotion, culture, and joy. Whether through dance in Gujarat, Durga Puja in Bengal, or doll displays in the South, every region brings its unique touch. This 2025 (22 September – 1 October), join the celebration of Navadurga—the Nine Goddesses who inspire strength, wisdom, and happiness.