Navratri 2025: Nine Nights of Devotion, Dance, And Celebration

Hinduism, with its countless traditions and rituals, is one of the oldest living faiths in the world. Among its many celebrations, Navratri shines brightly. Spanning nine nights, it honours Shakti, the divine feminine energy, and has become one of the most colorful, spirited expressions of devotion.

The story behind Navratri goes back to mythology. It is believed that Goddess Durga fought the fierce demon Mahishasura for nine days and nights, defeating him on the tenth day, which we now celebrate as Vijayadashami or Dussehra. This moment is remembered as the triumph of good over evil, and it remains the heart of the festival’s meaning.

Navratri also traces its roots to the Vedic period, when it was centered around worshipping three principal goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Each goddess embodies a distinct force of feminine energy, strength and protection, wealth and prosperity, wisdom and learning. The festival’s timing, often in autumn after the rains, aligns with harvest season, adding layers of gratitude and renewal.

Over the centuries, Navratri has adapted with society. In today’s world, it is as much about community and togetherness as it is about spirituality. In big cities, you’ll see decorated stages, Garba and Dandiya nights, and even livestreams so people around the globe can join in. The rise of eco-friendly decorations and idols shows how traditions can blend seamlessly with modern concerns. The essence remains unchanged, but the expression of Navratri keeps evolving.

And that’s where the generational lens makes it so fascinating. Navratri means something unique to every age group, and how each generation experiences it is like a snapshot of their values and lifestyle.

Sonal, 50, sees Navratri as a time that’s “auspicious and so profound in terms of celebrating women’s power.” For her, it is not only about the nine avatars or rituals, but also about discovering strength within. “The nine days are more than just the religious aspect. It is a great way to understand your strength and that you are not one-dimensional or powerless.” She doesn’t strictly follow rituals, but she cherishes the positive spirit of the festival in her own way, even if that’s just by wearing the colour of the day.

Twinkle Shinde, 51, sees the same festival through a slightly different lens. For her, the beauty lies in devotion and routine. “Navratri has always held a special place in my heart. Every morning when I sit for pooja, light the diya, and offer prayers to Maa Durga, I feel a deep sense of peace and strength.” However, Kiran Singh, 45, notices how the festival has changed though. “Nowadays, it feels like everything has become about Garba and folk dance,” acknowledging the shift in focus with time.

And then comes the Gen Z voice. Ritika Rawat, a digital marketing analyst, feels that Navratri mirrors the modern woman’s identity. “Navratri is the season where I’m reminded of the strength a female carries. How she can be a nurturer and a protector all at the same time. I’m reminded never to take myself for granted or underestimate my own strength.” 

Her way of celebrating reflects her age and profession, “Doing pooja, Garba, and writing Navratri copies for brands (haha),” she says. Her favorite memory was, “As a child confidently playing wrong Garba steps and showing them off to my friends, and even teaching them the same.”

These voices paint a lively picture of Navratri across generations. For Sonal, it’s about self-realization and positivity. For Twinkle, it’s about faith, prayer, and family coming together. And for Ritika, it’s about blending tradition with modern life, where devotion shares space with work deadlines and social media fun. Their memories may differ, with Sonal recalling the thrill of scoring a Falguni Pathak pass in Thane, Twinkle cherishing evenings of family prayers, and Ritika laughing at childhood Garba goof-ups, but the core emotion is mostly the same. Navratri, in every era, is about strength, joy, and a connection to something bigger than ourselves.

And that’s the real charm of this festival. It doesn’t matter if you’re dancing till midnight in a crowded pandal, quietly lighting a diya at home, or slipping on the colour of the day before heading to work. Navratri has a way of meeting you where you are, wrapping you in its energy, and reminding you that celebration is not just about tradition but about the stories, laughter, and bonds we create along the way.