Nine nights of Navadurga — Shakti's victory
Over nine nights the Devi is worshipped as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri — the Navadurga. The Devi Mahatmya (Durga …
Over nine nights the Devi is worshipped as Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri — the Navadurga. The Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati) narrates how the gods' combined shakti manifested as Durga to end the buffalo demon Mahishasura when no man or god could. Each night deepens a facet of that grace: discipline, courage, protection, nourishment, and finally siddhi.
On the tenth day — Vijayadashami — the victory is celebrated as Dussehra: Ramleela and Ravan dahan in the North, Ayudha Puja and Shami worship in the South, and in Bengal the farewell visarjan of Durga Puja. The nine nights prepare the household for that return of dharma.