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New Delhi: The time to celebrate and honour the Devi—Maa Durga is here. Navratri is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals in the country. It is a time of devotion, spirituality, and reflection. The whole country is united to make it a festival to remember. People from different states celebrate differently, but with the same love and devotion. Gujaratis celebrate it with garba and dandiya nights and fasting; around the same time, Bengalis celebrate this time as Durga Puja; North Indians observe Kanajk Puja. During the span of nine days, people participate in numerous activities to appease the goddess. Some observe a fast for the duration of 9 days, some participate in Garbas and Dandiya dances, or even Ghatasthapana.

These various forms of activities are a form of dedication and devotion to the divine. The shashtras and religious texts have defined a way of praying during this time, but the true essence is pure intention and love for the goddess to attain ultimate satisfaction in one’s mind. Navratri starts on September 22nd, 2025, and comes to an end on the day of Vijaydashmi, October 2nd, 2025.

Fasting

Many observe a fast to show devotion, faith, and love for the goddess. Typically, people consume a Sattvic diet, such as fruits, nuts, dairy, and specific grains allowed during fasting. To follow the ritual, avoid onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.

While fasting, you can eat foods such as sabudana, kuttu, rajgira, makhana, peanuts, and samak. Prepare these according to allowed methods, like avoiding certain spices and ingredients.

Meditation and Silence

To observe meditation and silence, set aside time each day for reflection and self-improvement, focusing on prayers or reading scriptures. Some take a vow of silence for all 9 days, refraining from conversation except during necessary prayers or rituals.

Prayers

Devotees offer prayers and perform religious ceremonies like ‘hawan’ and ‘jagran’ as an act of devotion.

Ghatasthhapana

In traditional households, people do ‘Ghatasthapana,’ which is a belief that filling a clay pot with water, rice, and mango leaves symbolises the Goddess and is also called the source of life.

It is important to remember that the only way to appease Maa Durga is to do everything with love, innocence, sincerity, and harm to no one.