Maha Navami
In 2025, Maha Navami will be observed on Wednesday, 1 October. It marks the ninth day (Navami tithi) of Durga Puja, celebrated just a day before Vijayadashami.
Every year, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, Maha Navami falls on the Navami tithi of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the month of Ashwin.
On this day, the air is thick with incense, the beats of dhak (drums) grow louder, conch shells echo, and prayers rise. Maha Navami is not just a ritual, it’s the final call for victory before the joyous Vijayadashami celebrations.
The story behind Maha Navami: Mythological Roots
The festival goes back to the legendary tale of Mahishasura, a demon with the ability to change forms. With his growing arrogance and unmatched strength, he defeated the gods and drove them away from their heavenly abode.
Unable to defeat him individually, the gods combined their energies, and from that divine force emerged Goddess Durga- radiant, powerful, and fearless.
- For nine days and nights, Durga fought Mahishasura and his armies.
- Each day represented a new form of her divine power.
- On the ninth day, Maha Navami, the final and most decisive battle unfolded, where she struck down Mahishasura, restoring balance and dharma.
Thus, Maha Navami signifies the end of darkness and arrogance, and the triumph of courage, unity, and truth.
Maha Navami Celebration: Rituals, Customs and Traditions
Sandhi Puja
The most sacred ritual is the Sandhi Puja, performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami.
- It is believed this is the exact moment when Durga killed Mahishasura.
- 108 lamps are lit, and 108 lotuses are offered.
- Devotees fast and gather in pandals as priests chant powerful mantras while the dhak drums thunder.
- The atmosphere is electric, silence breaks into chants of “Jai Ma Durga!” as conch shells are blown.
After the rituals, devotees are served bhog khichuri (rice and lentils), labra (mixed vegetables), chutney, papad, and payesh (rice pudding).
- The bhog is not just food but a blessing, and long queues form outside community pandals. Traditional bhog includes khichuri (rice & lentils), labra (mixed vegetables), chutney, papad, and payesh (rice pudding).
- The evening Maha Arati fills pandals with devotion, where priests and devotees together dance with dhunuchi (incense burners).
Kumari Puja (in some pandals)
- On Nobomi, some pandals and households perform Kumari Puja, where young girls are worshipped as living embodiments of Durga.
- They are offered flowers, sweets, and new clothes.
- This ritual highlights the divine feminine power in human form.
Maha Nobomi feels like the last grand celebration before the farewell. The goddess has fulfilled her purpose, evil has been defeated, and devotees embrace the moment with gratitude and joy. That is why Bengalis say Nobomi carries a special sweetness. It’s devotion mixed with the bittersweet realization that Vijaya Dashami, the day of immersion, is just around the corner.
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