Navratri (nine nights) is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolises the triumphof good over evil. Navratri takesplace at the beginningof October around harvest time and asthe name implies, thisfestival is celebrated for ninedays. Navratriis also known asDurga Puja.During this period, Durga, Laxmi and Saraswati are worshipped as three different manifestations of Shakti or cosmic energy.
The Festival is dedicated to Durga, the Mother Goddess who also represents power.Durga annihilated the demon Mahishasura after a relentless battle
lasting nine days & nights. Navratri is a festival in which God is adored as Mother. It is said that Shiva gave permission to Durga to see her Mother for nine days in the year and this festival remembers the visit.
Hinduism is the only religion in the world which emphasised to such an extent the Motherhood of God.