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नवरात्रि
9 days · Durga, Navadurga · pan-india
When: Ashvin shukla pratipada to navami (September-October)
Devi Mahatmya (from the Markandeya Purana) — Mahishasura the buffalo-demon obtained a boon that no man could kill him. The combined energies of all the gods became Durga, who battled him for nine days and slew him on the tenth (Vijayadashami).
Shailaputri
Daughter of the Himalaya; rides Nandi; trident and lotus
Brahmacharini
The unmarried Devi practising tapas to win Shiva; kamandalu and rudraksha mala
Chandraghanta
Wears the moon as a bell on her forehead; rides a tiger; ten-armed warrior
Kushmanda
Created the cosmos with her smile (kushma = warmth); eight-armed; rides a lion
Skandamata
Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), holding the infant; lotus-throne
Katyayani
Born to sage Katyayana; warrior who slew Mahishasura; embodiment of fierce protection
Kalaratri
Dark, fierce form; saviour of devotees from time and fear; rides a donkey
Mahagauri
Fair, peaceful form after tapas; bull mount; restoration after Kalaratri's destruction
Siddhidatri
Bestower of all eight siddhis; lotus throne; worshipped by gods, asuras, gandharvas
Sabudana khichdi · Kuttu puri · Singhare ki kheer · Aloo jeera · Vrat-ki-kachori · Kuttu pakoda · Halwa-puri-chana for Kanya Pujan
Sources: Skanda Purāṇa · Padma Purāṇa · Bhaviṣya Purāṇa · Nirṇaya Sindhu · Awaiting scholar verification.