The morning aarti was performed at the Jhandewalan temple in Delhi early on Tuesday, marking the sixth day of Shardiya Navratri. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Durga in the form of Maa Katyayani. Similarly, aarti was also conducted at the Badi Devkali Devi Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Katyayani was created from the combined powers of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Also known as Mahishasurmardini, she is revered for defeating the demon Mahishasura. Depicted as a fierce form of Maa Durga, she is four-armed and rides a lion.
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Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, known as Navdurga. The festival is celebrated with immense devotion across India, with rituals and prayers honoring the goddess in her various manifestations.
Throughout the nine days of Navratri, devotees worship each incarnation of Maa Durga, seeking her blessings. Ritualistic fasts are observed, shlokas are recited, new clothes are worn, homes are cleaned, and bhog is offered during this period.
Hindus observe four Navratris throughout the year, but only two—Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri—are widely celebrated, as they coincide with seasonal changes. In different regions of India, Navratri is celebrated in various ways.
In North India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, Ramlila, a dramatic re-enactment of scenes from the Ramayana, is performed. The festival culminates with Vijayadashami, when effigies of King Ravana are burned to symbolize the victory of good over evil.
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