Navaratri, the nine-night festival honouring Goddess Shakti in her various manifestations, began with Ghatasthapana on Sunday, October 11. Across India, devotees observe the festival through traditional rituals, including Devi Puja, recitation of the Durga Saptashati, Pushpanjali, Havan and Kanya Puja.

The Goddess symbolises the destruction of evil and the restoration of peace. Worshipped from Ashwina Shukla Pratipada to Navami, she is revered by different names, including Durga, Bhadrakali, Amba, Annapurna, Bhairavi and Bhavani.

“Spring and autumn are important junctures of climatic and solar influence. These periods are considered sacred opportunities to worship the Divine Mother. As day and night are almost equal, nature remains in equilibrium,” said Ramesh Maharaj of Palm Beach, explaining the significance of the Devi Mahatmyam.

In Gujarat, Navaratri is celebrated with nine nights of devotion, music and Raas-Garba. “We install the sacred pot, or Ghatasthapana, at home and keep a lamp burning for nine days. The uninterrupted flame, known as Akhand Jyot, represents our worship of Adishakti,” said Vashi resident Divya Ben.

Garba dancers move in circles around a decorated earthen pot, accompanied by singers and drummers. “Participants clap in rhythm as they dance around the pot,” said Bimala Shah of Lohana Samaj Bhavan, Koparkhairane.

In Maharashtra, devotees worship Durga for nine days, while the tenth day is associated with Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. The occasion is considered auspicious for beginning children's education, launching ventures and purchasing ornaments.

West Bengal, Assam and Odisha celebrate Durga Puja, honouring the ten-armed Mahishasuramardini, who defeated Mahishasura. A devotee at Assam Bhavan described the festival as the community’s biggest annual celebration after Bihu.

In Punjab, Kuldeep Kaur is preparing for Kanya Puja, during which nine young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the Divine Feminine. Meanwhile, Kharghar resident Laitha Amma, originally from Tamil Nadu, is arranging her traditional Bommai Kolu, a tiered display of dolls.

Despite regional differences, Navaratri unites communities in celebrating devotion, feminine power and the triumph of good over evil.