The story behind Navratri
The festival celebrates the cosmic victory of the divine feminine — Shakti — over the demon Mahishasura, as narrated in the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati). Each day is associated with a different fo…
The festival celebrates the cosmic victory of the divine feminine — Shakti — over the demon Mahishasura, as narrated in the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati). Each day is associated with a different form of the goddess, a specific colour, and a corresponding form of worship. The tenth day, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), marks Durga's final victory and is celebrated with great joy.
Gau Seva during Navratri aligns with the worship of Shakti in her most nurturing form. Gaumata is described in the Skanda Purana as a manifestation of the divine mother — the same Shakti who nourishes, sustains, and protects. Offering food to cows during the nine nights of Navratri is therefore a direct act of worship of the mother goddess. Jaggery offering is particularly connected to Devi worship, as sweetness is one of her most beloved attributes.