Navratri

Sharad Navratri (the most observed) falls in the Hindu month of Ashvin — typically September or October. It spans nine nights, leading to Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on the tenth day.

The Navadurga: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri — one form is honoured each night.

Garba (Gujarati circle dance with claps) and Dandiya Raas (paired stick dance) are performed each night of Navratri around an installed garbho (clay lamp) or murti of the Goddess.

Many devotees fast for the full nine days — abstaining from grains, onion, garlic, and meat. Common foods include sabudana, kuttu (buckwheat), fruit, milk, and sendha namak (rock salt).

Gujarat: Garba & Dandiya. Bengal: Durga Puja with elaborate pandals. South India: Golu doll display and Saraswati puja. North India: Ramleela performances ending in Ravan Dahan on Dussehra.