Svarna Parmer (Brattice Builder)

In my view, Navratri is like a personal journey. First we fight laziness and weakness (Parvati), then we stabilize life with good habits and wealth (Lakshmi), and finally we focus on learning and self-improvement (Saraswati). So these deities are not only about rituals but also about personal growth.

Navratri generates a huge economic impact in India:- Garba events: Ticket sales, sponsorships, and stage setups create jobs and revenue. - Fashion industry: Demand for lehengas, jewelry, and traditional wear increases massively. - Tourism: Cities like Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata attract thousands of visitors, boosting hotels, transport, and food business. Experts say Navratri is one of the largest seasonal business drivers in India after Diwali.

Vijayadashami marks the victory of good over evil. It is the day when Goddess Durga defeated Mahishasura and when Lord Rama killed Ravana. People celebrate by burning effigies of Ravana, organizing Ram Leela plays, and performing Shami Puja. It also marks the beginning of new ventures, as starting anything on Vijayadashami is considered very auspicious.

The Akhand Jyoti ritual means lighting a lamp that burns continuously for all nine days of Navratri. - Place a clay or brass diya with ghee or sesame oil in the puja area. - Use a thick cotton wick and ensure there is enough oil. - Refill the diya regularly so the flame never extinguishes. - Keep the diya safe in a clean, undisturbed place. This Akhand Jyoti represents eternal divine energy and is believed to remove negativity from the home.

Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of Chaitra Navratri. It marks the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees perform special puja, recite Ramayana, and offer prayers. In Navratri, the first eight days are dedicated to different forms of Durga, and the ninth day combines both Maa Siddhidatri worship and Lord Rama’s birthday celebration. It signifies the unity of Shakti and Bhakti.

The nine forms of Goddess Durga are known as Navadurga. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one form:1. Shailputri – Daughter of the mountains, symbol of strength. 2. Brahmacharini – Goddess of wisdom and knowledge. 3. Chandraghanta – Represents bravery and courage. 4. Kushmanda – The creator of the universe. 5. Skandmata – Mother of Kartikeya, symbol of maternal love. 6. Katyayani – Fierce form, warrior goddess. 7. Kalaratri – Destroyer of evil, removes fear. 8. Mahagauri – Bringer of peace and purity. 9. Siddhidatri – Goddess who grants supernatural powers.Their worship represents the journey from self-control and discipline to power, wisdom, and liberation. Devotees believe that honoring all nine forms brings physical, mental, and spiritual growth.

Durga Ashtami (8th day) in 2025 will be on 29th September, and it is one of the most important days of Navratri. On this day, devotees perform Kanya Pujan or Kumari Pooja, where young girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. Special prayers and havans are conducted. It is believed that worship on this day removes all sorrows and obstacles.Maha Navami (9th day) will be on 30th September 2025. This day marks the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura. In many regions, Ayudha Puja is also performed where tools, vehicles, and instruments are worshipped. The day is also important for completing Navratri fasting, as devotees break their vrat after rituals.Both days symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the blessings of Maa Durga in different forms.

Navratri in 2025 will begin on Monday, 22 September 2025 and end on Tuesday, 30 September 2025. This is known as Sharad Navratri, the most celebrated form of Navratri in India. The festival runs for nine nights and ten days, with each day dedicated to worshipping a different form of Goddess Durga. The dates are calculated based on the lunar calendar, starting from the Pratipada (first day) of the Ashwin month and ending on Dashami, which is celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. It is a period of devotion, fasting, prayers, and cultural programs like Garba and Dandiya. Many people also perform Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) on the first day to mark the beginning of rituals.