The word Navratri is derived from Sanskrit, meaning nine nights - nava (nine) ratri (night). In the East and various parts of North east India, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, where the festival symbolizes the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura, signifying the victory of good. These 9 days/nights, nine forms or incarnations of Goddess Durga are worshipped.

The festival of Navratri, which spreads over 9 nights and 10 days, is one of the most revered festivals in Hinduism and celebrated during the autumn season. It lays importance on the worship of Goddess Durga or Shakti, which represents the energy of the universe, in her nine different forms.