New Delhi: The season of festivals begins with Navratri, 9 days which are dedicated to each form of Goddess Durga. Each day has a colour that signifies the form of Goddess Durga. The first three days of Navratri are devoted exclusively to the worship of Goddess Durga when her energy and power are worshiped and each day is dedicated to a different appearance of Durga, namely Kumari, Parvati, and Kali.


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The fourth and sixth day is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi and the fifth to Goddess Saraswati known as Lalita Panchami. The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, while the Goddess of Art and Knowledge is worshipped on the eight-day and a yagna is also performed. The ninth day is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri and then comes the great Dussehra Festival.

The rituals begin by observing a strict fast for nine days during which only ‘satvik’ food is allowed, devotional songs are sung during the nine nights. People visit temples and other religious places and offer prayers to the goddess. Little girls are worshipped and are offered food are they are considered to have embodied Kumari form of Durga.

This year Navratri starts on October 17th 2020, here’s the list of important dates.
17th October - Pratipada
18th October - Dwitiya
19th October - Tritiya
20th October - Chaturthi
21st October - Panchami
22nd October - Shashti
23rd October - Saptami
24th October - Ashtami
25th October - Navami

A significant change in celebration might be observed this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many states have issued guidelines encouraging people to celebrate at home.