Navratri
Meaning of Navratri
In Sanskrit, “Nav” means nine and “Ratri” means night, perfectly capturing the essence of this sacred festival. Navratri is the Hindu festival of reverence for the divine mother or Adi Shakti, celebrated for nine nights. The word “Shakti,” meaning power and strength, represents the feminine force that is embodied in the various forms of the loving yet fierce and powerful Devi.
Adi Shakti is the cosmic energy that makes the wind blow and the oceans churn—she is the heat of fire and the life-giving force of earth. The Devi is worshipped as a soft gentle force or a fierce one with strength and valor who upholds the laws of nature and that of the cosmic order.The main purpose is to worship the feminine divine (Devi) in her various forms, as she fights to restore Dharma and the righteous order. This celebration also marks the victory of good over evil, commemorating Devi Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura.
Joyful celebrations ensue in homes, temples, small shrines, in little hamlets, villages, towns and cities! Women, men and children dress up in their finest, perform puja, sing bhajans, kirtans, dance to garba, dandia and raas and visit one another, with much joy and aplomb.
The festival concludes with Vijaya Dashami, the “triumphant tenth day,” reminding all devotees to persist through life’s challenges with the strength and grace of the Divine Mother.
When is Navratri 2026?
Navratri in 2026 will be celebrated from Sunday, October 11 to Tuesday, October 20.
This auspicious 9 day festival, brings a sense of divinity, celebration, connection with the Devi – the Feminine Divine! All over the vast Indian subcontinent and in many of its surrounding regions, people celebrate the Feminine Divine as Devi or Shakti in different forms and with gaiety–for nine nights running. For Hindus the world over, this is an important time.
Navratri in Canada and USA
Navratri celebrations have found vibrant expression across North America, where Hindu communities gather in temples, community centers, and cultural organizations to honor the Divine Mother. In Canada, particularly during Hindu Heritage Month recognized in Ontario in November, devotees organize elaborate Garba nights, cultural programs, and traditional worship ceremonies.
Similarly, in the USA – where Hindu Heritage Month is celebrated in several states including Florida, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, California, and Massachusetts – Navratri brings communities together through dance, devotional music, and shared cultural experiences. These celebrations serve as bridges between generations, helping preserve sacred traditions while welcoming people of all backgrounds to experience the joy and spirituality of this beautiful festival.
More on Navratri Festival
Eons of Women Empowerment Explained: Dive into a vibrant conversation with Pushpita Prasad (Chief Communications Officer, CoHNA) as she unpacks the significance of Navratri, the celebration of Shakti, and the age-old Indian tradition of honoring feminine divinity. Join India Parent Magazine’s “Meena Over Matters” series for insightful dialogue on how these festivals inspire strength, creativity, and inclusivity across generations both in India and the diaspora.
Looking to understand more about the festival or share with your friends, family, colleagues or neighbors?
We have developed a slide deck and a video on the festival of Navratri for schools, colleges, universities, teachers, parents, corporates, diversity groups in companies, volunteers who are interested in taking it to their law enforcement officers, lawmakers, city council members, school boards, public officials, yoga studios, community organizations, interfaith groups etc. In addition, we also provide a link to a beautiful 2 pager from Hinduism Today.
So, make sure to do your part to celebrate and spread the word. Share the resources. Join a Navratri garba celebration in your city or temple. Find out how the Feminine is revered, respected and regarded! Dance along, share sweets and desserts, accept the blessings of Devi, Shakti, Cosmic Energy that pervades everything in this universe.
Simply download the slide deck, which comes complete with speaker notes. Customize it to make it yours and share/present to others! Or, share the video in your social media networks! Or download the 2 pager from Hinduism Today to complement the slide deck, print it and share it! Check out additional links and resources below as well.
Please do contact us at info@CoHNA.org if you need any help with this presentation or any other resources!
