Maha Navami Puja will be celebrated on Saturday, marking the second last day of the Sharadiyo Durgotsab.
Devotees believe that on this day, they witness Goddess Durga in her full glory. The day involves offerings to various gods and goddesses, symbolizing fire.
On Maha Navami, mandaps (pandals) across the country will be filled with the atmosphere of farewell for Goddess Durga.
In the evening, the grand “Maha Aarti” of Devi Durga will be performed, followed by rituals like animal sacrifice and the Navami Homa (fire sacrifice).
Essentially, Maha Navami begins after the conclusion of “Sandhi Puja.”
During the rituals, 108 lotus flowers will be offered to the goddess. After the puja, devotees will offer Anjali (prayers) and receive prasad.
Despite the festive atmosphere, a sense of sadness will prevail as devotees prepare to bid farewell to the goddess.
According to the Sri Sri Chandi, a Hindu deity, on this day, Durga, in her form as Rudra (Kali), vanquished the demon Mahishasura along with his warriors Chand, Mund, and Raktabija.
The Navami Tithi begins with the Sandhi Puja, performed during the last 24 minutes of Ashtami and the first 24 minutes of Navami.
During this sacred time, Goddess Chamunda is worshipped with the lighting of 108 clay lamps and the offering of 108 lotus flowers at the goddess’s feet.
The autumn Durgotsab, which began on Wednesday with Maha Sasthi, will conclude on Sunday with the immersion of the idols on Vijayadashami.
According to the calendar, this year both Maha Navami and Vijayadashami will be observed on the same day. Vijayadashami rituals will begin after the completion of Maha Navami Puja.
Maha Navami Kalparambha and Vihit Puja of Devi Durga will take place between 6am and 12pm, with the Darpan consecration and Vijayadashami puja starting at 8:26am.
In the evening, after the puja, devotees will gather for garlanding, prasad distribution, and Bhog Aarti.
An Aarti competition will also be held at Dhakeshwari National Temple.