When is Maha Navami?
Maha Navami is the ninth day of the Durga Puja festival. It is the final day of worship before Vijaya Dashami, the end of Navratri.
In India, Maha Navami is a public holiday in several states.
In South India, Maha Navami may be observed as Ayudha Puja or Astra Puja.
Traditions of Maha Navami
On this day, the goddess Durga is believed to finally defeated the evil buffalo demon Mahishasura.
To mark her victory the goddess Durga is worshipped as Mahisasurmardini.
Devotees of the goddess will pray to Durga for prosperity and good health. In West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Tripura the puja is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Some believe that puja done on this day is equal to all the puja done during all the other days of Navratri. Huge crowds gather to offer prayers and to enjoy festive treats and participate in cultural events.
Durga Puja
While celebrated across India, In West Bengal, Assam and Tripura, Durga Puja is the biggest festival of the year and the most significant cultural event in Bengali Hindu society.
The rituals of Durga Puja last ten days with the start and the last five days being special festivals that are reflected in public holidays in some states in India.
Mahalaya
Mahalaya marks the start of the Durga Puja festival.
Maha Saptami
On the seventh day (saptami) of Durga Puja, the goddess started her epic battle against Mahishasura.
Durga Ashtami
This is the eighth day of Durga Puja celebrations when the weapons used by Durga are worshipped.
Vijaya Dashami
Also known as Dashain or Tenth day of Navratri or Durgotsav, Vijaya Dashami commemorates the day that Durga appeared riding a lion to slay the Mahisasura.
