Sharad Navratri 2027

Sharad Navratri is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across India, in which nine nights are devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. It takes place from the Pratipada (first day) to the Navami (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin, and is followed by Vijayadashami.

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Men and women of every age observe the nine days of fasting and worship to seek the blessings, strength, and protection of Maa Durga in her nine forms.
• Families and Householders: Households perform the daily puja together for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles (Vighna Nivaran).
• Seekers of Spiritual Growth: Those who wish to cleanse body and mind take up the fast and the nightly prayers as a period of self-discipline (Tapasya).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Ghatasthapana (Day 1): The Kalash is installed in the morning, ideally during the early part of the day (Pratahkaal). Check the Ghatasthapana muhurat for your city on this page.
• Daily Puja (Days 1 to 9): Each day is dedicated to one form of the Goddess. The puja is done in the morning after bathing, and a lamp is lit again in the evening.
• Sandhi Puja (Day 8): Performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami tithis, a special puja of the Goddess (mainly in Bengal and Odisha). Check the Sandhi Puja time for your city on this page.
• Kanya Puja (Day 8 or Day 9): Nine young girls are worshipped in the morning hours, according to your family's custom.
• Havan (Day 9): The closing havan is performed on Maha Navami, in the forenoon (Purvahna).
• Parana (Day 10): The fast is broken after the Navami rites are complete, on the morning of Vijayadashami. Check the parana time on this page.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Maa Durga and Mahishasura)

Long ago, the demon Mahishasura performed severe penance and received a boon that no man or god could kill him. Proud of his power, he attacked heaven, defeated Indra and the other Devas, and drove them out of their realm. Tormented and helpless, the Devas went to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for help.

Moved by their suffering, the three gods and all the Devas gave forth their divine energy, and from this radiance arose Goddess Durga, shining with the strength of them all. Each deity placed his own weapon in her hands, and she rode a lion into battle. The Devas pleaded: "O Divine Mother, you alone can end this terror. Protect the three worlds and restore dharma."

Durga fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights. He took many forms, as a buffalo, a lion, and an elephant, but the Goddess stayed calm and unshaken. On the tenth day, she slew the demon and freed the world from his rule. The Devas bowed before her in gratitude and filled the heavens with praise.

Since that day, devotees have worshipped the Goddess for nine nights as Navratri, and celebrated the victory of good over evil on the tenth day as Vijayadashami.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the Ghatasthapana and the daily puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Maa Durga, and a red cloth to spread on the altar
• Kalash Items: A Kalash of copper or brass, a coconut wrapped in red cloth, mango leaves, and clean water with a little Gangajal
• Jawara (Barley Sowing): An earthen pot, clean soil, and barley (Jau) seeds
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Akshat (unbroken rice grains), and Sindoor
• Lamps & Lights: A Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, incense sticks, and camphor
• Offerings (Naivedya): Red flowers (especially hibiscus), a Chunri, fruits, sweets, and Halwa, Puri, and black gram (Kala Chana) for Kanya Puja

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean clothes (red, yellow, or other bright colours are preferred; avoid black).
2. Clean the home and the puja room, and place the altar in the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or facing east.
3. Take a little water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, I begin this Navratri vrat for the wellbeing of my family. Grant me the strength to observe these nine days with pure devotion."
4. Keep the fast through the day. Many families eat only fruits, milk, sabudana, and kuttu (buckwheat) or singhare (water chestnut) flour dishes with rock salt (Sendha Namak); avoid grains, onion, and garlic throughout.

Step 2: Ghatasthapana (Day 1)

1. Spread a layer of clean soil in the earthen pot, sow the barley seeds, and sprinkle a little water over them.
2. Fill the Kalash with water, tie Kalava (red thread) around its neck, and place mango leaves in its mouth.
3. Place the coconut wrapped in red cloth on top, and set the Kalash in the middle of the pot of barley on the altar.
4. Light a Ghee Diya before the Kalash and invoke the Goddess (Avahan). Many families keep this lamp burning for all nine days (Akhand Jyoti).

Step 3: Daily Puja (Days 1 to 9)

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before the image of Maa Durga each morning and evening.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the Goddess and the Kalash.
3. Offering Flowers & Chunri: Offer red flowers and a Chunri, and sprinkle water on the barley sprouts every day.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer the day's fruit or sweet, and worship the form of the Goddess for that day (Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri).

Step 4: Recitation and Aarti (Evening)

1. Sit before the altar with a few flower petals and Akshat in your right hand.
2. Recite or listen to the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya), or the Durga Chalisa, with deep focus and devotion, and hear the story of the Goddess.
3. Perform the Durga Aarti with the lit Ghee lamp, ringing a bell and singing devotional hymns.
4. Offer the Akshat and flower petals at the feet of the Goddess and bow in prayer.

Step 5: Ashtami and Navami Rites (Days 8 and 9)

1. On Ashtami or Navami (as your family follows), invite nine young girls, who are honoured as forms of the Goddess, along with one young boy (Batuk).
2. Wash their feet, apply Tilak, tie Kalava on their wrists, and seat them with respect. This is Kanya Puja.
3. Serve them Halwa, Puri, and black gram, offer gifts or a small token, and take their blessings by touching their feet.
4. On Navami, perform the Havan with Ghee, sesame, and samidha (sacred twigs), offering oblations to the sacred fire with the Goddess's mantras. In Bengal and Odisha, the Sandhi Puja is done at the junction of Ashtami and Navami.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Fast (Day 10)

1. After the Navami rites, offer a final aarti, ask forgiveness for any shortcoming in the worship (Kshama Prarthana), and bid farewell to the Goddess (Visarjan).
2. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
3. Distribute the prasad among family members, and give the barley sprouts as a blessing or place them in flowing water.
4. Break your fast the next morning with the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.

Day 1: Ghatasthapana (Shailaputri Puja)

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Men and women alike observe the nine days of fasting and worship to seek the strength, protection, and blessings of Maa Durga.
• Families and Households: Families install the Kalash together at home, praying for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles (Sukh-Samriddhi).
• Seekers of Spiritual Growth: Those who wish to purify body and mind through discipline, prayer, and devotion take up the vrat.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Bath and Sankalp: Begin in the early hours, ideally during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn period), after bathing.
• Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): The Kalash is installed in the first part of the day, on the first day of Navratri. Many families also use Abhijit Muhurat (the auspicious midday window), so check the Ghatasthapana muhurat for your city on this page.
• Daily Puja: Through the nine days, the Goddess is worshipped every morning and evening, with an aarti at dusk.

About the Festival

Sharad Navratri is a grand, much-loved festival celebrated across India, in which nine nights are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It begins on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Maa Durga and Mahishasura)

Once upon a time, a mighty demon named Mahishasura received a boon from Lord Brahma that no man or god could kill him. Proud and powerful, he defeated the gods, drove them out of heaven, and began to rule over all three worlds.

The gods, helpless and distressed, went to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva for help. From the anger of the three, and from the energy of all the gods, a radiant Goddess took form. Each god gave her a weapon: Shiva his trident, Vishnu his discus, and the other gods their own divine arms. Seated on a lion, she took the name Durga, and the gods requested her: "O Divine Mother, only you can destroy this demon. Free the three worlds from his cruelty."

For nine days and nights, the Goddess fought Mahishasura and his army, who changed forms again and again. On the tenth day, she slew the demon, and the gods were freed.

The nine nights are worshipped as Navratri, and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijayadashami. Since that day, devotees have worshipped the nine forms of Maa Durga during these nine nights, in gratitude for her victory over evil.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the Ghatasthapana puja:

• Image / Murti: Picture or idol of Maa Durga, placed on a clean Chowki
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, for the Akhand Jyot (the lamp that burns through the nine days)
• Kalash & Jau Seeds: A Kalash filled with water, Mango leaves, a Coconut wrapped in red cloth, clean soil, and Barley seeds (Jau) for sowing
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, Halwa, Kheer, or other sattvic sweets (no onion, garlic, or grains if fasting)
• Devotional Accessories: Red flowers, red Chunari, sacred thread (kalava), Supari, and Incense (Dhoop)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red, yellow, or orange; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, for these nine days I observe this vow with a pure heart. Grant me strength, protection, and devotion, and bless my family with peace and prosperity."
3. Keep the fast through the nine days according to your family's tradition, eating only fruits, milk, and sattvic food.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home or the puja room.
2. Spread a layer of clean soil in a wide earthen dish and sow the barley seeds (Jau) in it, sprinkling a little water.
3. Place the Kalash filled with water on top of the soil, with Mango leaves around the mouth and a Coconut wrapped in red cloth placed on top.

Step 3: Performing the Ghatasthapana Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light the Ghee Diya (Akhand Jyot) and place it near the Goddess.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the image of the Goddess and to the Kalash.
3. Offering Flowers & Threads: Offer red flowers and the Chunari, and tie a piece of Kalava around the Kalash.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits and sweets before the Goddess, and invoke her presence in the Kalash.

Step 4: Reciting the Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Durga Saptashati or the Navratri Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, sprinkle the held grains near the Goddess's feet and at the base of the Kalash.

Step 5: Aarti and Daily Worship

1. Perform the Durga Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. On each of the nine days, worship one of the nine forms of the Goddess (Navadurga), starting with Maa Shailputri on the first day.
3. Sprinkle a little water on the Jau sprouts each day, and keep the Akhand Jyot burning.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Closing the Day

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the sweet prasad among your family members and children.
3. Break your daily fast with the prasad and a simple sattvic meal; on Ashtami or Navami, many families also worship nine young girls (Kanya Puja) before closing the vrat.

Maha Shashthi / Akal Bodhon (Bengal)

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Families who celebrate Durga Puja welcome the Goddess on Shashthi, seeking her blessings and protection (Shakti Prapti).
• Mothers: Mothers also pray on this day for the health and long life of their children, as Shashthi is the day of the Goddess as protector of children.
• Bengali Families: Families in Bengal and the Bengali community across India and the world observe the Bodhon and the opening of the Pandals.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Kalparambha: Done in the morning, when the Ghat (sacred pot) is installed and the Durga Puja is formally begun.
• Puja Muhurat: The Akal Bodhon, the awakening of the Goddess, is done in the evening during Pradosh Kaal (the period after sunset). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Adhivas and Amantran: Done after the Bodhon, with the invitation to the Goddess, at the end of the evening puja.

About the Festival

Maha Shashthi is a much-loved Bengali festival on which the Goddess Durga is welcomed and awakened, and the Durga Puja begins. It takes place on the Shashthi (sixth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Akal Bodhon)

Long ago, in the time of the Ramayana, Lord Rama was preparing for his battle with Ravana, the king of Lanka. Rama knew that the demon was a great devotee of the Goddess and that her blessing was with him in battle.

The Goddess is traditionally worshipped in the spring (Vasanta), and at the time of the battle she was believed to be asleep, as the autumn is the night of the gods. Rama was in great worry about his victory.

The gods, led by Lord Brahma, advised him to awaken Goddess Durga before her time with his prayers and to worship her with a hundred and eight blue lotuses. Rama gathered the lotuses and began the worship, called Akal Bodhon, meaning the untimely awakening. When one lotus was found missing, he offered one of his own eyes in its place. The Goddess, pleased with his devotion, appeared before him and blessed him with victory.

Since that day, the Goddess has been awakened in autumn, and Durga Puja is held in the month of Ashwin. Every year, Bengali families have welcomed her with the Akal Bodhon on Maha Shashthi.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the evening puja:

• Image / Idol: Idol or picture of Goddess Durga, with Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Kartikeya
• Ghat & Bilva: A Kalash (Ghat) with water, a branch of the Bilva tree (Bel), and Mango leaves
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Sindoor, Alta, Chandan, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, Incense sticks (Agarbatti), and Dhunuchi (incense burner)
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets such as Sandesh, and Payesh
• Devotional Accessories: Red Hibiscus flowers, Kalava (sacred thread), conch shell (Shankha), and Dhak (drums)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably white or red-bordered).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, today I welcome you to my home. Bless my family with strength, peace, and the well-being of my children."
3. Many families keep a light fast or eat only sattvic food until the Bodhon puja is over.

Step 2: Kalparambha and Ghat Sthapana (Morning)

1. Clean the place of worship and install the Ghat with water, mango leaves, and a coconut.
2. Draw a Swastik on the Ghat with Sindoor and tie Kalava.
3. Begin the Durga Puja by invoking the Goddess in the Ghat and offering the first flowers.

Step 3: Performing the Evening Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and the incense before the Goddess.
2. Bilva Nimantran: Invite the Goddess into a Bilva tree or Bilva branch, with water and flowers.
3. Offering Flowers & Threads: Offer flowers and tie Kalava around the Ghat.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits, sweets, and Payesh before the deities.

Step 4: Akal Bodhon (Awakening the Goddess)

1. Sit respectfully before the idol with a few flower petals and grains of rice in your right hand.
2. Perform the Akal Bodhon with the priest's mantras, awakening the Goddess in her image.
3. Offer the flowers and grains at the feet of the Goddess, and pray for her presence in your home.

Step 5: Aarti and Prayers

1. Perform the Durga Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp and Dhunuchi, with the sound of conch shells and Dhak.
2. Recite or listen to the Durga Stuti with deep focus and devotion.
3. Invite the Goddess to stay for the next days of the puja (Adhivas and Amantran).

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Bhog and prasad among family members and neighbours.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal and visit the Pandals to see the unveiled Goddess.

Maha Saptami

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Families who celebrate Durga Puja worship the Goddess on Saptami, the day of her first full worship, seeking her protection and blessings (Shakti Prapti).
• Farming and Village Families: The Navapatrika (nine plants) worship is observed by families who honour the Goddess as the giver of food and crops.
• Bengali and Odia Families: Families in West Bengal and Odisha take part in the home rituals and in the Pandal worship.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Navapatrika Bathing (Kolabou Snan): Done early in the morning, during Brahma Muhurta or at sunrise, when the nine plants are bathed in a river or pond.
• Puja Muhurat: The Maha Saptami puja begins in the morning after the Pran Pratishtha (invoking life into the Goddess's image). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page. (In Odisha, the main puja is held around midday, Madhyahna.)
• Evening Aarti: The day closes with the Sandhya Aarti, the evening Aarti performed at dusk.

About the Festival

Maha Saptami is the seventh day of Navratri, celebrated as a much-loved part of Durga Puja in Bengal and Odisha, when the Goddess is first worshipped with full rites. It takes place on the Saptami (seventh day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (The Story Behind Maha Saptami)

Maha Saptami is the day on which Durga Puja begins in full, when the Goddess who defeated the demon Mahishasura is welcomed into the home and the Pandal. Her worship on this day is not only of an idol but of the whole of nature that feeds the world.

The Navapatrika, often called Kolabou, is a bundle of nine plants: banana, colocasia, turmeric, jayanti, bilva, pomegranate, ashoka, manaka, and paddy. Each plant is regarded as a form of the Goddess, and together they honour her as the giver of food, health, and plenty.

On Saptami morning the Navapatrika is carried in procession to a river or pond and bathed. It is then dressed in a new saree like a bride, and placed to the right of Lord Ganesha, and the life of the Goddess is invoked in it and in the idol (Pran Pratishtha).

Devotees believe that the Goddess is present in the plants that nourish all life. Since that day, devotees have worshipped her on Maha Saptami with the Navapatrika, giving thanks for her protection and for the harvest.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Idol or picture of Goddess Durga, with Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswati, and Lord Kartikeya
• Navapatrika: Nine plants, namely Banana (Kadali), Colocasia (Kochu), Turmeric (Haridra), Jayanti, Bilva, Pomegranate (Darimba), Ashoka, Manaka, and Paddy (Dhan), tied together
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Sindoor, Kumkum, Haldi, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, Incense sticks (Agarbatti), and Camphor (Kapoor)
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets, Khichuri, and Payesh
• Devotional Accessories: Red Hibiscus flowers, Bilva leaves, Kalava (sacred thread), and a red-bordered white saree (Lal Paar Saree) for the Navapatrika

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably white or red-bordered).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, today I worship you on Maha Saptami. Bless my family with strength, peace, and prosperity."
3. Many families eat only after offering Anjali (flowers) to the Goddess in the morning, and keep a light sattvic diet.

Step 2: Bathing the Navapatrika (Kolabou Snan)

1. Bring the Navapatrika in a procession, with Dhak (drums) and conch shells, to a river or pond.
2. Bathe the Navapatrika in the water with Haldi and flowers.
3. Clothe it in a new saree, as a bride (Kolabou), and apply Sindoor to it.

Step 3: Installing the Goddess and Performing the Rituals

1. Placing the Navapatrika: Place it to the right of Lord Ganesha at the Pandal or home altar.
2. Pran Pratishtha: The priest invokes life into the idol (Pran Pratishtha) with mantras.
3. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and the incense before the Goddess.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits, sweets, and the Bhog before the deities.

Step 4: Offering Anjali

1. Take flowers and Bilva leaves in your folded hands.
2. Recite the mantras with the priest and offer the Pushpanjali (offering of flowers) to the Goddess.
3. Pray for the well-being of your family and the protection of your children.

Step 5: Aarti

1. Perform the Durga Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp and Dhunuchi (incense burner), with devotional hymns.
2. Accept the Aarti by touching the flame and bringing your hands to your eyes.
3. In the evening, attend the Sandhya Aarti at home or at the Pandal.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Bhog and prasad among family members, friends, and neighbours.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal.

Durga Ashtami

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Families who worship the Goddess during Navratri or Durga Puja observe Ashtami to seek her strength, protection, and blessings (Shakti).
• Women and Mothers: Many women keep a fast on this day, praying for the wellbeing and long life of their families and children.
• Families Performing Kanya Pujan: Households that honour young girls as forms of the Goddess seek her grace and the removal of obstacles.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Pushpanjali: In Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, devotees offer flowers to the Goddess in the morning, after bathing and fasting. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Kumari Puja: A young girl is worshipped as the living Goddess, usually in the late morning or around midday. (In Odisha, the main Maha Ashtami puja is held in Madhyahna, the midday period.)
• Sandhi Puja: Performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami, when the two tithis meet; check the Sandhi Puja timing for your city on this page.
• Evening Aarti: After sunset, the Goddess is honoured with the lamp aarti and prasad.

About the Festival

Durga Ashtami, also known as Maha Ashtami, is the most important day of Durga Puja and Navratri, celebrated across India with fasting, prayer, and the worship of Goddess Durga. It takes place on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura)

Long ago, the buffalo-demon Mahishasura received a boon from Lord Brahma that no man or god could kill him. Proud of this power, he defeated the gods, drove them from heaven, and began to rule the three worlds with cruelty.

The suffering gods went to Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva for help. The three Lords were filled with anger, and from their combined light, together with the energy of all the gods, arose the radiant Goddess Durga. Each god gave her a weapon: Shiva his trident, Vishnu his discus, and the other gods their own arms. The Himalayas gave her a lion to ride.

The Goddess challenged Mahishasura, and a great battle followed over many days. The demon changed forms again and again, as a buffalo, a lion, and an elephant, but the Goddess followed him through every form. The gods assured her: "O Divine Mother, you alone can end this evil. Fight with courage, and the world will be saved."

On the Ashtami, the battle reached its peak, and on the following day, the Goddess slew Mahishasura with her trident. The gods rejoiced and bowed before her. Since that day, devotees worship Goddess Durga on Ashtami with fasting and devotion, seeking her protection and strength.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: A picture or idol of Goddess Durga, placed on a clean Chowki
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Sindoor, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A Ghee Diya, incense sticks, and a lamp for aarti
• Sacred Water Container: A Kalash filled with water, topped with mango leaves and a coconut
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Halwa, Puri, black chana (chickpeas), fruits, and sweets
• Devotional Accessories: Red hibiscus flowers, a red Chunri (cloth), Kalava (sacred red thread), and Bel leaves

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red, yellow, or new clothes).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, today I observe Ashtami with full devotion. Grant me strength, protection, and the blessings of your grace."
3. Observe the fast through the morning, taking only fruits, milk, or water until the puja is complete, as practised by your family.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner of your home and spread a red cloth on a wooden stool (Chowki).
2. Place the image of Goddess Durga on the Chowki, and place the Kalash filled with water beside it.
3. Decorate the altar with red flowers and a Chunri, and light incense sticks.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and place it before the Goddess.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, Sindoor, and Akshat to the image of Goddess Durga.
3. Offering Flowers & Threads: Offer red hibiscus and Bel leaves, and tie Kalava around the Kalash.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place Halwa, Puri, and chana before the Goddess as bhog.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully before the altar and recite or listen to the Durga Saptashati or the story of the Goddess's victory over Mahishasura with deep focus.
3. After completing the recitation, sprinkle the held grains at the Goddess's feet. (In Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, devotees offer Pushpanjali at this time, and Sandhi Puja is held at the junction of Ashtami and Navami.)

Step 5: Kanya Pujan and Aarti

1. Invite nine young girls (and a small boy as Langur) to your home, wash their feet with respect, and apply Roli and Akshat on their foreheads. (In Bengal, one girl is worshipped in Kumari Puja.)
2. Offer them Halwa, Puri, and chana as prasad, and give gifts such as a Chunri, fruits, or coins.
3. Perform the Durga Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family and of the girls to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the sweet prasad among your family members and neighbours.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the prasad and a simple sattvic meal.

Maha Navami

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Perform This Puja?

• Devotees of Goddess Durga: Families who worship Goddess Durga on the last day of Navratri seek her protection, strength, and blessings (Shakti Prapti).
• Craftsmen, Workers, and Students: In the South, workers, artisans, drivers, and students worship their tools, vehicles, and books (Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja) in gratitude and for success in their work.
• Bengali Families: Families celebrating Durga Puja in Bengal and the East observe Maha Navami with the final worship of the Goddess and the Navami Bhog.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Morning Preparation: Bathe early in the morning, during Brahma Muhurta or soon after, and clean the home, tools, vehicles, and books.
• Puja Muhurat: The main Maha Navami puja is done around midday (Madhyahna). Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page. (In the South, Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja are done in the morning or evening, and families differ in the timing.)
• Evening Aarti: The day closes with the Aarti and the sharing of prasad. In Bengal, devotees also attend the final Aarti of the Pandals.

About the Festival

Maha Navami is the ninth day of Navratri, observed across India with the worship of Goddess Durga, and in the South as Ayudha Puja. It takes place on the Navami (ninth day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin.

The Katha (Story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura)

Long ago, the demon Mahishasura gained a boon that no man or god could kill him. Filled with pride, he conquered the three worlds and drove the gods out of heaven. The gods, in despair, went to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva for help.

The three gods and all the devas combined their divine energies, and from this power was born Goddess Durga, radiant and ten-armed. Each god gave her a weapon: Shiva his trident, Vishnu his discus, and the others their own, and she rode a lion to battle.

For nine days the Goddess fought Mahishasura and his armies, while the gods and sages prayed for her success. Navami is remembered as the day of the final battle, in which she slew the demon, and the next day, Vijayadashami, celebrates her victory.

The gods and the people worshipped the Goddess in joy and thanked her for her victory. Since that day, devotees have worshipped Goddess Durga on Maha Navami, and in the South they worship their tools and weapons in thanks, as the Goddess's weapons gave victory to good.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Goddess Durga, and, in the South, of Goddess Saraswati
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Chandan, Haldi, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, Incense sticks (Agarbatti), and Camphor (Kapoor)
• Tools to Worship: Books, pens, tools, instruments, and vehicles (for Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja)
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Sundal, Pongal, Payasam, Kheer, fruits, and sweets (in Bengal, Khichuri, Labra, and Payesh as Bhog)
• Devotional Accessories: Red flowers (including Hibiscus), Bilva or Tulsi leaves, Kalava (sacred thread), and Coconut

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red, yellow, or white).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Divine Mother Durga, today I worship you on Maha Navami. Grant me strength, success in my work, and the protection of my family."
3. Many families keep a simple fast or eat only sattvic food until the puja is complete.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the place of worship, and clean the tools, vehicles, and books to be worshipped.
2. Place the image of Goddess Durga on a wooden stool (Chowki) covered with a clean red cloth. In the South, arrange the books, tools, and vehicles before the images of the Goddess.
3. Draw a Swastik, apply Chandan and Kumkum on the tools and books, and decorate them with flowers.

Step 3: Performing the Rituals

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and the incense in front of Goddess Durga.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, Chandan, and Akshat to the image of the Goddess, and to the tools, books, or vehicles.
3. Offering Flowers & Leaves: Offer red flowers, Bilva leaves, and Kalava to the Goddess.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place cooked dishes and sweets (such as Sundal, Pongal, Kheer, or Khichuri) before the deity.

Step 4: Navami Puja and Homa

1. Offer prayers to the Goddess with the Durga Saptashati or the Durga Chalisa, or listen to its recitation.
2. In Bengal and many other homes, perform the Navami Homa with Ghee and offerings of sacred wood, or attend it at the Pandal.
3. Many families also honour young girls (Kanya Pujan) and offer them food and gifts.

Step 5: Aarti

1. Perform the Durga Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
2. Wave the lamp before the tools, books, or vehicles that have been worshipped, and break a coconut in thanks.
3. Pray for the well-being of your family and success in your work.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Sharing Prasad

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among family members, friends, and neighbours.
3. Close the day with a simple sattvic meal. In the South, the tools and books are left undisturbed until the next day, and are taken up again after Vijayadashami.