At the Jhadewalan temple in Delhi, an early-morning “aarti” was performed on the eighth day of Navratri (Maha Ashtami). Numerous devotees flocked to the temple to participate in the “aarti” and pray to Goddess Durga. Today’s ‘aarti’ was also performed at the Delhi Kalkaji temple. The temple echoed with the music as the priests said the prayers. The eighth day of the Navratri festival is devoted to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth manifestation of Maa Durga and a representation of purity, serenity, and tranquility.
The festival of Navratri honours the defeat of the demonic Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil. The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
The 9-day-long festival of Shardiya Navratri is intended for worshipping Maa Durga and her nine avatars, known as Navdurga. Navratri means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit. Hindus observe a total of four Navratris throughout the year.
From Ashwin Shukla Paksha’s Navami until the Pratipada, Shardiya Navratri is observed.
While it is celebrated with great fanfare across the nation, distinct traditions are more commonly practised in different states.