Goddess Durga idol at a puja pandal in Kolkata, West Bengal
© Arnav Pratap Singh/Getty Image
Gracefully divine. Maha Navami
Maha Navami, the ninth day of Sharad Navratri, is an observance grounded in devotion, myth and tradition. It recalls the final day of Goddess Durga's battle with Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, before her ultimate victory on Vijaya Dashami. The day is seen as the culmination of Navratri devotion, symbolising the victory of righteousness over evil and preparing devotees to begin anew.
From North to South India, the day is marked in colourful ways while carrying the same reverence. In parts of the South, Ayudha Puja turns tools, books and even vehicles into sacred offerings. In the Northern and Eastern parts of the country, Kanya Pujan honours nine young girls as living forms of the goddess, with prayers, gifts and special dishes. In West Bengal, Maha Navami is marked as part of the grand Durga Puja celebrations. Different in form yet united in spirit, these traditions across India celebrate strength, wisdom and the timeless triumph of good over evil.
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