Navaratri

What

Over nine nights, different forms of the goddess are worshipped in sequence, accompanied in many regions by garba and dandiya folk dances performed late into the night, and by fasting observed by many households.

Why

The nine nights honor the goddess in nine forms (the Navadurga), traditionally understood as her long confrontation with the buffalo demon Mahishasura — strength, in this telling, arriving specifically through the feminine when other powers had failed.

Preparation

• Set up a small shrine with images of the goddess
• Observe a partial or full fast if that's your practice
• Learn a few basic garba or dandiya steps
• Read or recite verses from the Devi Mahatmya

Mantra

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Shakti-Rupena Samsthita — to the goddess present in all beings in the form of power, salutations.