Navratri - 9 nights for Durga the Warrior Goddess

Navratri, which loosely translates to nine nights in Sanskrit. It is a festival recorded from the 11th century A.D., yet rituals date as far back as the early 2nd century A.D. To fully understand this beautiful festival, I'll have to briefly explain the Puranas first. The Puranas are one of the many compilations of Sanskrit texts derived from the Vedas and records of events during their time. For instance, the famous Gita is part of a Vedic event or legend named Mahabharata, which itself is part of the Bhagavad Purana. This is one of the many examples of complex grammar, compilations and orginization skill of Vedic texts in that era.

This particular festival takes its roots from one of the oldest Puranas, Markandeya, which dates before the Gita's events, yet was fully composed around the same era (Gupta period). In contrast to the other Sanskrit texts or ideologies, for that matter, the Markandeya is about how to care for Mother Nature, and the addiction of attachment (Moha). This Puranic text begins by explaining the moral philosophy of Vedic society, using myths (or Vedic events) as examples. While also explaining the various ways and motives to perform rituals, mainly to the feminine energy. Worship and offering to various Devis (Goddesses) and the reasoning behind it.

The Markandeya Puran contains approximately 130 chapters; the most famous are 
from chapters 81 through 93. A philosophical text of 13 chapters named Devi Mahatmya, which means the glory of the Goddess. These mantras (poems/spells) are dedicated to the Goddess Mahadevi, commonly known as Durga and Shakti, the progenitor of female deities, mother nature and energy within the Vedic pantheon. The text is associated with another compilation called the Skanda Purana, in which she sacrifices herself and reincarnates as the 9 Goddesses. Obviously, there's also the astrological aspect within the text explaining the transition of seasons. Which is also the secondary reason for celebrating this holiday, like most pagan polytheistic holidays. That being said, the Devi Mahatmya is the core text from which emerged the upcoming festival of Navratri.

Historically, the word "Durga," in sanskrit means impassable or beyond defeat. The term was first noted within the oldest Vedas (Rig Vedas), which historically places the worship of this particular Devi within the Dravidian Indus civilization era. Nonetheless, as a Goddess, Durga is first described in the Markandeya Purana, then in the Ramayana and briefly within the Mahabharata. Her tale was also told in more detail during various other Puranas.
 
Durga is known to be the epithet of motherhood, destruction and protection; yes, she's one of the many Hindu deities with multiple arms. The Goddess Durga's description seems pretty consistent throughout every myth; even Al-Uzza, a pre-Islamic Arabian deity, looks like her mounted on a lion. The best way to recognize a depiction of Durga is the fierce tiger or lion she rides, or is next to her, named Dawan. Durga, also known as Amba, has many weapons, from a mace to a bow and arrow, and also a sword.

In most myths and folklore from the Puranas and other scriptures, Durga Mata is defined as ruthless and the bringer of righteousness in mankind; her tale starts as a protector of the gates of the Heaven realm (Swarga). Durga's victory against the bull demon named Mahishasura marks the beginning of Navratri. Therefore Mahabali (maha =supreme, bali=sacrifice) ritual is still practiced in that region, mostly in Nepal and parts of Bengal. A sacrifice of a water buffalo for Durga. However, in most civilized parts, mainly Gujarat, where Shakitism is strongly followed, the ritual is different, more Satvic (organically ethical) and civilized. For 10 days, each night is dedicated to one of the 9 incarnations of the Goddess Durga. It is a celebration, like most Hindu holidays, of the victory of good over evil in various ways across the SubContinent of India. Different clans will praise not only their own native Kul Devi but also worship the others as much.

From folklore dramas to dances such as the famous Garba and various offerings. Nonetheless, minority may practice sacrificial ritual but the majority will do a nine-night celebration by practicing a vegetarian diet, celibacy and fasting for the feminine energy that protects and nurtures us.