Navratri honours Adi Shakti, the divine power behind creation, preservation and destruction, worshipped as Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali. Its two best-known legends are Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura and Lord Rama’s invocation of Durga, called Akal Bodhan, before defeating Ravana. Both victories are celebrated on Vijayadashami, which falls on 20 October in 2026.
Navratri is the most religious and important festival of Hinduism because, during this festival, Goddess Shakti, the mother of the universe, is celebrated. This festival is for the celebration of Goddess Durga. It also illustrates the importance of Goddess Maha Lakshmi, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Kali.
There is ample mythology behind Navratri that helps us understand how energy is valued in the creation, preservation, and destruction of evil. This knowledge also helps us understand why the festival is observed for nine nights and why Vijyadashmi is celebrated on the tenth day.
What Is the Mythological Significance of Navratri?
As per Hindu belief, the universe is ruled by three fundamental powers – creation, preservation, and annihilation. These powers are associated with Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, who are together known as Trimurti.
Hindu Philosophy also states that the course of these processes is made feasible because of the presence of Shakti, or divine power, who is worshiped as Adi Shakti (prime power) through different forms of the Goddess.
According to tradition, Maha Saraswati symbolizes knowledge and creativity, Maha Lakshmi is for wealth and preservation, and Maha Kali symbolizes the process of change through destruction.
Navratri is observed in honour of this divine power through prayers and fasting. It is a festival that carries the message to the devotees that strength, wisdom, and wealth will keep life balanced.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 Calendar: Dates, Goddesses and Colours
| Day | Date | Tithi | Goddess | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 | Pratipada (Ghatasthapana) | Maa Shailputri | Orange |
| Day 2 | Monday, 12 Oct 2026 | Dwitiya | Maa Brahmacharini | White |
| Day 3 | Tuesday, 13 Oct 2026 | Tritiya | Maa Chandraghanta | Red |
| Day 4 | Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 | Chaturthi | Maa Kushmanda | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | Thursday, 15 Oct 2026 | Panchami | Maa Skandamata | Yellow |
| Day 6 | Friday, 16 Oct 2026 | Shashthi | Maa Katyayani | Green |
| Day 7 | Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 | Saptami (Maha Saptami) | Maa Kaalratri | Grey |
| – | Sunday, 18 Oct 2026 | Saptami continues; Ashtami begins 08:29 AM | – | – |
| Day 8 | Monday, 19 Oct 2026 | Ashtami (Durga Ashtami) | Maa Mahagauri | Purple |
| Day 9 | Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 | Navami (Maha Navami) | Maa Siddhidatri | Peacock Green |
| Dussehra | Tuesday, 20 Oct 2026 | Dashami begins 12:51 PM | Vijayadashami | – |
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Why Are Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati Worshipped During Navratri?
One conventional understanding of Navratri breaks the nine nights down into three segments.
In the first three nights, people devote themselves to Goddess Durga or Kali and seek her blessings to abolish the fear and bad influences in their lives.
The next three nights are devoted to Maha Lakshmi. She symbolizes prosperity and well-being. Worshipping her is linked to acquiring good qualities and inviting prosperity into one’s life.
The final three nights are for Maha Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and wisdom. It is when you are to learn, teach, and acquire new knowledge and wisdom.
All three aspects of Shakti can represent a spiritual evolution from conquering negativity to cultivating prosperity and wisdom.
The Story of Lord Rama and Navratri
Another well-known ritual relates to Shardiya Navratri and Lord Rama’s confrontation with Ravana.
According to this story, Lord Rama prayed to the Goddess Durga prior to fighting Ravana in Lanka and sought her support, hoping for a favorable outcome in the battle. It is often referred to as the Akal Bodhan, or the invocation of the Goddess.
Lord Rama finally defeated Ravana, and Vijayadashami is observed as the triumph of good over evil.
This story is still part of Dussehra celebrations, especially in North India, where Ramlila shows and the burning of Ravana’s effigies are part of the celebrations.
The Story of Goddess Durga and Mahishasura
According to the Devi Mahatmya, the buffalo demon Mahishasura received a boon that no man or god could defeat him. Growing arrogant, he drove the gods out of heaven. Unable to stop him, the gods combined their energies, and from this collective power Goddess Durga emerged, armed with weapons given by each deity.
She battled Mahishasura for nine days and slew him on the tenth, which is why Navratri is followed by Vijayadashami. The form in which she destroyed him is worshipped as Maa Katyayani, and the Goddess is honoured as Mahishasuramardini, the slayer of Mahishasura.
Why Is Vijayadashami Celebrated After Navratri?
Vijayadashami is the closing day of Navratri, and there are two auspicious customs associated with it.
One marks Lord Rama’s conquest over Ravana, while the other is a tribute to Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura.
On the day of Dussehra, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burnt in several towns of north India, while in the eastern part of the country, Durga idols are immersed in water after the celebration of Durga Puja.
All these customs revolve around the battle to control evil and bring about the return of good.
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The Deeper Meaning of Navratri Celebrations
Navratri Mythology is a collection of beliefs that still has a significant impact. Trimurti & Shakti are the supreme creators of the universe. The Durga and Rama mythologies highlight the virtue of courage and the fight against evil.
These concepts have influenced the way people celebrate the festival. Some people spend all nine nights performing rituals, while others go for community worship, Garba, or Durga Puja.
Navratri is more than just a festival and its rituals. This festival helps transform a devotee’s thinking about their own strengths, knowledge, and resources. Though the stories about Navratri are older than most religions, they still play a role in understanding the celebrations around the festival.
FAQs
What is the mythological significance of Navratri?
Navratri holds significant mythological importance as it celebrates Goddess Shakti, the mother of the universe, and her various forms like Durga, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the divine power of creation, preservation, and destruction.
Why is Navratri celebrated for nine nights?
Navratri is observed for nine nights to honor the nine forms of Goddess Shakti. Each segment of three nights is dedicated to different aspects: the first three to Durga for strength, the next three to Maha Lakshmi for prosperity, and the final three to Maha Saraswati for wisdom.
What is the significance of Vijyadashmi in Navratri?
Vijyadashmi, celebrated on the tenth day after Navratri, marks the victory of good over evil. It is the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness and the end of negativity.
How is the energy of Shakti represented in Hindu philosophy?
In Hindu philosophy, Shakti is the divine power enabling the processes of creation, preservation, and annihilation, associated with Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Shakti is worshipped as Adi Shakti through forms like Durga, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
What are the traditional practices during Navratri?
During Navratri, devotees engage in prayers, fasting, and rituals to honor Goddess Shakti. The festival encourages the spiritual evolution from overcoming negativity to inviting prosperity and acquiring wisdom through devotion to Durga, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
