Top 10 Unknown Facts About Navratri Festival
Navratri is one of the most revered and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, observed across India and many parts of the world. While the nine nights of Navratri are known for their vibrant rituals, dance, fasting, and devotion to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, there are many lesser-known, rare, and mystical facts associated with this ancient festival. Here are the top 10 unknown and fascinating facts about Navratri that most people have never heard of.
1. Navratri Is Celebrated Four Times a Year
Rare Seasonal Observances
While most people are familiar with the Sharad Navratri (in September–October), Hindu scriptures mention that Navratri is observed four times a year:
Sharad Navratri (Autumn) – Most popular
Chaitra Navratri (Spring) – Coincides with Ram Navami
Magha Navratri – In January–February (lesser-known)
Ashadha Navratri – In June–July (primarily tantric in nature)
These four Navratris are linked to seasonal changes and spiritual shifts in nature’s energy.
2. Goddess Durga Was Invoked by All Gods Using Their Powers
The Mythical Formation of Durga
According to the Devi Mahatmya, when Mahishasura's tyranny became unbearable, all gods contributed their powers to create a super-goddess — Durga. Each deity gave her a weapon:
Shiva gave her his trident
Vishnu gave his chakra
Indra gave his thunderbolt
Varuna gave his conch shell
This story highlights cosmic unity to restore dharma.
3. The First Navratri Was Celebrated by Lord Ram
Navratri and the Ramayana Connection
According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram performed Durga Puja during Navratri before going to war with Ravana. This puja is said to have taken place in autumn, giving rise to Sharad Navratri. It was called Akal Bodhan, meaning “untimely worship,” since it was traditionally celebrated in spring.
4. Secret Tantric Navratri in Kamakhya Temple
Ashadha Navratri and Tantra Sadhana
In Assam’s Kamakhya Temple, one of the most powerful Shakti Peethas, Ashadha Navratri is secretly celebrated by tantric practitioners. Unlike other Navratris, it involves esoteric rituals, meditations, and offerings to gain spiritual and siddhic powers. This hidden Navratri is rarely open to public observation.
5. The Nine Colours of Navratri Have Deep Astrological Significance
Each day of Navratri is associated with a color that corresponds to a planet and a form of the Goddess. The color sequence changes each year based on the weekday Navratri begins. For example:
Yellow for brightness and energy
Red for action and passion
Blue for stability
Wearing these colors is believed to align with the cosmic energies of the Goddess.
6. Navratri Is Celebrated Differently in Every State
Diverse Traditions of Worship
In West Bengal, it becomes Durga Puja, focusing on her battle with Mahishasura.
In Gujarat, people dance the Garba and Dandiya for nine nights.
In Tamil Nadu, it’s known for Golu (doll display).
In Punjab, girls are worshipped on Ashtami as Kanjak.
This reflects India’s incredible cultural diversity within one festival.
7. Navratri and the Miracle of Vaishno Devi
The Cave of the Divine Mother
According to legend, Vaishno Devi was born from the combined spiritual energy of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. During Navratri, millions of devotees visit her cave temple in Jammu, and several devotees claim to experience divine visions and miraculous recoveries during this time.
8. Navratri Is Linked with the Nine Planets (Navagrahas)
Spiritual Alignment with Cosmic Forces
Each form of the Navadurga represents a planet:
Shailaputri – Moon
Brahmacharini – Mars
Chandraghanta – Venus
Kushmanda – Sun
Skandamata – Mercury
Katyayani – Jupiter
Kalaratri – Saturn
Mahagauri – Rahu
Siddhidatri – Ketu
Worshipping these goddesses is believed to balance planetary influences in one’s life.
9. Sacred Fire Lit on First Day Burns for All Nine Days
Akhand Jyoti of Durga
In many homes and temples, a sacred lamp (Akhand Jyoti) is lit on the first day of Navratri and kept burning continuously for all nine days. It represents the undying light of the Goddess. There are stories of miraculous protection and blessings for homes where this flame is maintained.
10. Rare Goddess Forms Worshipped in Secret
Ten Mahavidyas and Secret Sadhanas
During Navratri, especially the Gupt Navratri, advanced sadhaks perform rituals to ten fierce forms of the Divine Mother, called the Mahavidyas, including:
Kali
Tara
Tripura Sundari
Bhuvaneshwari
Chhinnamasta
Dhumavati
Bagalamukhi
Matangi
Kamala
These are secret rituals not performed publicly, believed to grant spiritual siddhis and inner transformation.
Conclusion
Navratri is far more than just a festive celebration—it is a cosmic phenomenon, a spiritual journey, and a celebration of feminine divinity in its most powerful forms. From ancient traditions to modern miracles, the hidden layers of Navratri reveal India’s profound cultural and spiritual wisdom.
May the nine nights of Navratri fill your life with light, strength, and divine blessings!
