Navratri is a sacred festival dedicated to the worship of the nine divine forms of Shakti (the Goddess). Celebrated across India in diverse ways, it symbolizes the victory of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (unrighteousness). As per tradition, rituals such as Ghatasthapana (establishing the holy pot) and Mala-Bandhan (tying of sacred garlands) mark the beginning of the festival. The origin of Navratri is deeply spiritual. According to the scriptures, Goddess Shakti battled the demon Mahishasura for nine days, from Pratipada (first lunar day) to Navami (ninth lunar day), and finally defeated him on the night of Navami. Additionally, it is said that Sage Narada advised Bhagwan Shri Ram to observe the Navratri vrat (vow). By performing this vrat with devotion, Shri Ram received the blessings of the Divine Mother and gained the strength to defeat Ravan.
The vrat (vowed religious observance) of Navratri was first advocated by Sage Narad to Shriram so that He could gain divine blessings to defeat Ravan. After completing this vrat, Shriram attacked Lanka and finally killed Ravan. Another significant aspect of Navratri is the battle between Devi and the demon Mahishasur. The Devi fought with Mahishasur for nine days, from Pratipada to Navami, and ultimately killed him on the night of Navami. Since that victory, She came to be revered as Devi Mahishasurmardini, the annihilator of Mahishasur, symbolising the triumph of Dharma over adharma.
During Navratri, worship of the Goddess is performed with great devotion, and lighting an Akhand Deep (continuously burning oil lamp) is considered especially important. An oil lamp symbolises the absolute Fire Principle (Tej Tattva). During these nine days, the atmosphere becomes charged with divine energy filled with the Fire Principle. The sacred frequencies emanating from this glow are naturally drawn towards the flame of the Akhand Deep, and their constant movement fills the home with purity and positivity.
