One of the most celebrates time of the year, Navratri starts from the new moon day (today, October 13) to the ninth day of Ashwin during which the devotees worship the powerful and charismatic 10-armed Goddess Durga and her manifestations.

Navratri, derived from the ancient Sanskrit words ‘nine nights,’ witnessed people visit temples to seek the blessings of the Goddess, pray before the idol, sing religious songs, perform Aarti and observe fast.

The temples across city were decorated with flowers, petals, leaves and lights and the priest decorated the idols of Goddess Durga with new clothes and jewelry. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil; the last day being called Dussehra (22^nd October).

On the first day, one worships Maa Shailputri to make full use of precious human life.

The second day is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini who helps us to move forward in life without getting disheartened by numerous challenges that come our way. Her blessings help us to get rid of selfishness, ego, greed and laziness.

The unprecedented image of bravery, Maa Chandraghanta is worshiped on the third day. One needs to firstly worship all Gods and offer prayer to Ganesha and Kartikeya, Goddesses Saraswati, Laxmi, VIjaya and Jaya. The Pooja should conclude with worshiping of Maa Chandraghanta.

The forth day is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda to help improve health and wealth. She removes all the hurdles and troubles of your life and enables you to get rid of all sorrows in life. Maa brings light into darkness and establishes harmony in your life.

The fifth day is spent worshiping Maa Skanda who showers one with love and affection and fulfills all the desires. Her worship automatically includes worship of Lord Karthikeya (in his child form).

Maa Katyayani is worshiped on the sixth day who gives great strength to fight all diseases, sorrows and fears. In order to destruct the sins accumulated over your several past lives, you should religiously worship Maa Katyayani.

The seventh day is dedicated to Maa Kalratri who teaches us that sorrow, pain, decay, destruction and death are unavoidable. These are the truths of life and you must accept their presence.

Maa Mahagauri is worshiped on the eight day who teaches you to be free from the clutches of the material world and to remove sorrows from your life, for she will lead you to the path of virtue and inner power.

With infinite glory and power, Maa Siddhidatri is worshiped on the final day of Navratri. The Goddess is believed to bestow all Siddhis to her devotees. These Siddhis are- Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Lishitva and Vashitva. This form of Durga is worshipped by all Gods, Rishi-Muni, Siddhas, Yogis, Sadhakas and devotees.