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India's Navratri Festival

Agencies Published October 7, 2013
The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are considered to be important junctions of climatic and solar influences. – Photo by AFP
The beginning of spring and the beginning of autumn are considered to be important junctions of climatic and solar influences. – Photo by AFP
Navarathri represents a celebration of the Goddess Amba. – Photo by AFP
Navarathri represents a celebration of the Goddess Amba. – Photo by AFP
During the first three days of the festival it is believed that the goddess is separated as a spiritual force called Durga, also known as Kali, in order to destroy all human evils as well as to bestow blessings. – Photo by AFP
During the first three days of the festival it is believed that the goddess is separated as a spiritual force called Durga, also known as Kali, in order to destroy all human evils as well as to bestow blessings. – Photo by AFP
During the next set of three days Lakshmi, the Mother, is venerated as a deliverer of spiritual wealth, who is considered to have the power of bestowing upon her devotees inexhaustible wealth, since she is revered as the goddess of wealth. – Photo by AFP
During the next set of three days Lakshmi, the Mother, is venerated as a deliverer of spiritual wealth, who is considered to have the power of bestowing upon her devotees inexhaustible wealth, since she is revered as the goddess of wealth. – Photo by AFP
The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. – Photo by AFP
The dates of the festival are determined according to the lunar calendar. – Photo by AFP
The eighth day is traditionally Durgashtami, which is especially revered in Bengal and Bihar. – Photo by AP
The eighth day is traditionally Durgashtami, which is especially revered in Bengal and Bihar. – Photo by AP
Hindu devotees read a copy of the 'Durga Stuati' during prayers for the Navratri Festival, at the Mata Longa Wali Devi temple in Amritsar. – Photo by AFP
Hindu devotees read a copy of the 'Durga Stuati' during prayers for the Navratri Festival, at the Mata Longa Wali Devi temple in Amritsar. – Photo by AFP
The final set of three days is spent worshiping the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to attain over all success in life, believers seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship. – Photo by AP
The final set of three days is spent worshiping the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order to attain over all success in life, believers seek the blessings of all three aspects of the divine femininity, hence the nine nights of worship. – Photo by AP
Hindu devotees pray during the Navratri Festival at the Mata Longa Wali Devi temple in Amritsar on October 5, 2013. – Photo by AFP
Hindu devotees pray during the Navratri Festival at the Mata Longa Wali Devi temple in Amritsar on October 5, 2013. – Photo by AFP
Navratri is celebrated twice a year during the spring and autumn seasons and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. – Photo by AP
Navratri is celebrated twice a year during the spring and autumn seasons and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. – Photo by AP

Navratri commences on the first day of the fortnight of the lunar month of Ashwin and is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. Navratri is celebrated twice a year during the spring and autumn seasons and symbolises the triumph of the forces good over evil. Feasting and fasting takes over normal life for millions of Hindus during Navratri, the festival of nine nights.

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