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Navratri Pooja Guide

Nine Nights of the Divine Mother

Navratri is a nine-night festival celebrating the nine forms of Mata Durga. It is observed twice yearly — Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Sharad Navratri (autumn). Each day is dedicated to a different form of the goddess.

What You Will Need

Mata Durga picture or murti
Akhand Jyoti (continuous lamp)
Red flowers and chunri
Sindoor and kumkum
Coconut and supari
Halwa, puri, chana for Ashtami prasad
Kanya puja items (for Navami)

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Day 1 (Pratipada): Invoke Shailputri — the daughter of the mountains.

2

Light an Akhand Jyoti on the first day and keep it burning for all nine nights.

3

Each day, worship the corresponding form of Mata with specific flowers and offerings.

4

Observe a fast (vrat) for all nine days or on the first and last days.

5

Recite Durga Chalisa or one chapter of Durga Saptashati daily.

6

Day 8 (Ashtami) or Day 9 (Navami): Perform Kanya Puja — invite 9 young girls, wash their feet, and offer them halwa-puri-chana.

7

Day 9 (Navami): Perform havan and conclude the Navratri vrat.

8

Day 10 (Dashami/Dussehra): Celebrate the victory of good over evil.

* Practices may vary by regional tradition, sampradaya, family custom, and guru guidance. This is a general educational guide only.

Key Mantra

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः

Om Dum Durgayei Namah

I bow to Durga, the invincible divine mother who protects and empowers her devotees.

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