Nine-Day Festival Dedicated to the Nine Forms of Goddess Durga; Temples Witness a Devotional Atmosphere
Ranchi, October 11, 2026: The auspicious festival of Shardiya Navratri began on Sunday with prayers and rituals dedicated to Goddess Durga. On the first day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga. Devotees seek the blessings of the Goddess for happiness, peace, prosperity, and the well-being of their families.
According to Hindu religious beliefs, Goddess Shailputri is the daughter of the Himalayas and symbolizes strength, determination, and the power of nature. On the first day of Navratri, devotees perform Kalash Sthapana (installation of the sacred pot) in their homes and temples, marking the beginning of nine days of worship. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other sacred offerings to the Goddess and chant devotional mantras. Many also observe fasts during the festival.
Throughout the nine days of Shardiya Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Special prayers, recitations of the Durga Saptashati, bhajans, kirtans, and religious programmes are organized during this period. Kanya Pujan, a ritual in which young girls are worshipped as manifestations of the divine feminine, is traditionally performed on Ashtami and Navami.
Shardiya Navratri is not only a festival of religious devotion but also a celebration of faith, spiritual awakening, and Indian Sanatan culture. The festival inspires people to follow the path of truth, righteousness, and morality while overcoming negative thoughts and actions. Devotees pray to Goddess Durga for peace, prosperity, good health, and harmony in society.
