Mumbai : As devotees across India prepare to observe Navratri 2026, the nine-day Hindu festival is once again bringing the worship of Goddess Durga, fasting, prayers and spiritual reflection into focus. The festival is traditionally dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga.
Renowned astrologer Dr Vinod Kumar Acharya said Navratri should not be viewed only as a period of rituals and celebrations, but also as an opportunity for self-discipline, introspection and spiritual renewal.
According to Acharya, each of the nine days is associated with a particular form of Goddess Durga and represents a different spiritual quality.
Nine forms of Goddess Durga
The nine forms worshipped during Navratri are Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
Acharya said devotees can use the nine-day period to develop qualities such as courage, patience, wisdom, strength and compassion. Prayer, meditation and a disciplined daily routine, he said, can help devotees focus on the spiritual message of the festival.
Kalash Sthapana and daily rituals
Kalash Sthapana is among the important rituals performed at the beginning of Navratri. The sacred Kalash is traditionally regarded as a symbol of abundance, purity and divine presence.
During the festival, devotees create a dedicated prayer space and offer flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional offerings to Goddess Durga. Daily prayers, chanting of Durga mantras, lighting a diya and recitation of religious texts such as the Durga Saptashati are also observed by many devotees.
Fasting as a practice of discipline
Fasting is another major aspect of Navratri. However, the method and duration of fasting can vary depending on individual traditions and personal circumstances.
Acharya advised devotees not to treat fasting simply as a ritual obligation. Instead, he said, it should be approached as a practice of self-control and mental discipline, while taking individual health and physical capacity into consideration.
Navratri and the power of Shakti
The spiritual message of Navratri is closely connected with Shakti, or divine feminine power. Goddess Durga is traditionally worshipped as a symbol of strength, protection, wisdom and compassion.
“The essence of Navratri lies in connecting with the divine feminine energy within and around us. These nine days encourage us to overcome fear, negativity and distractions while developing greater faith, discipline and clarity in life,” said Dr Vinod Kumar Acharya.
He added that the different forms of Goddess Durga can also be understood as representations of the varied qualities needed to face different challenges in life.
What devotees should follow during Navratri
Acharya advised devotees to maintain cleanliness in their homes and places of worship and follow a sattvic lifestyle during the festival. He also encouraged people to avoid unnecessary negativity and dedicate time to prayer, meditation and introspection.
Helping others, showing kindness and maintaining positive thoughts, he said, are equally important aspects of observing Navratri.
As Navratri 2026 unfolds, the festival continues to combine religious devotion with a wider message of inner strength and renewal. Beyond elaborate celebrations, the nine sacred nights offer devotees an opportunity to reconnect with faith, practise discipline and seek a more positive and purposeful approach to life.
