Navami

Navami is the ninth day of Navaratri, a Hindu festival spanning nine nights and ten days. The name derives from Sanskrit nava meaning nine. The observance occurs during both the autumn Shardiya Navaratri and the spring Vasant Navaratri, with dates set by the lunar calendar. On Navami, devotees typically perform puja to the goddess Durga or other deities associated with Navaratri, including ritual bathing of idols, offerings of flowers, fruits, and sweets, and prayers or devotional songs. Temples and pandals are often elaborately decorated, and some people observe fasting or share festive meals.

Regional variations influence rites. In eastern India, the day is often called Maha Nabami or Maha Navami and is a significant ceremonial day before Vijayadashami (the tenth day), when processions and public celebrations occur. Elsewhere, Navami may be observed as a central day within Durga Puja or Durga worship, with rites such as arati and recounting of the Durga story. The festival typically ends with Dashami, when idols are immersed or moved for immersion.