Navratri — nine nights of the goddess — is the most widely celebrated Hindu festival after Diwali. Yet many families are unsure which Devi to worship on which day, what colour to wear, or how to perform the complete vidhi. This guide covers everything.
9 Days, 9 Devis — Complete Guide
The daughter of mountains — invoke her for strength
The ascetic form — invoke her for discipline and wisdom
The warrior goddess — invoke her for courage
Creator of the universe — invoke her for health and prosperity
Mother of Kartikeya — invoke her for children's wellbeing
The fierce warrior — invoke her for removing obstacles
The destroyer of darkness — invoke her for protection
The pure one — invoke her for purity and peace
Giver of all siddhis — invoke her for spiritual powers
Navratri Samagri List
✓Kalash with coconut
✓Mango leaves
✓Red chunri (dupatta)
✓Akhand diya + oil
✓Sindoor, kumkum, roli
✓Flowers — marigold, rose
✓Betel leaves & supari
✓Panchamrit ingredients
✓Coconut
✓Fruits — seasonal
✓Mishri (rock sugar)
✓Nav durga idol/photo
✓Incense sticks
✓Camphor
✓Durva grass
✓Red cloth for chowki
Navratri Fasting Rules
What to eat
Sabudana khichdi, fruit, kuttu atta roti, samak rice, singhara atta, dairy, rock salt
What to avoid
Regular salt, grains (wheat, rice), non-veg, onion, garlic, alcohol
Who can skip fasting
Elderly, pregnant women, children, those with health conditions — it is punya to participate in any way you can
Breaking the fast
On Ashtami or Navami with Kanya Puja — feed 9 young girls and offer them gifts
Kanya Puja — Ashtami & Navami
The most important ritual of Navratri. Invite 9 young girls (ideally pre-pubescent) to your home — they represent the 9 forms of Devi.
1Wash their feet with water and apply alta (red colour)
2Offer them a full meal — puri, halwa, chana, and kheer
3Apply tilak on their foreheads
4Gift each girl something — typically a chunni, bangles, or money
5Take their blessings by touching their feet
6This ritual is considered equivalent to the entire nine-day fast