Navaratri (Nine Nights) is observed twice a year — Chaitra Navaratri (spring) and Sharada Navaratri (autumn). The Sharada Navaratri in September-October is the more widely celebrated one, during Ashwayuja month. For nine days, three sets of three goddesses are worshipped: Durga (days 1–3), Lakshmi (days 4–6), and Saraswati (days 7–9), culminating in Vijaya Dasami (Dasara) on the tenth day.

Nine Forms of the Goddess

The nine Shakti forms worshipped each day are: Shailaputri (day 1), Brahmacharini (day 2), Chandraghanta (day 3), Kushmanda (day 4), Skandamata (day 5), Katyayani (day 6), Kalaratri (day 7), Mahagauri (day 8), and Siddhidatri (day 9). Each form represents a different aspect of divine feminine power and is associated with a specific color of dress offering.

Bommala Koluvu (Golu) Tradition

In Telugu homes, Navaratri is marked by the Bommala Koluvu (Golu) — an elaborate stepped display of dolls, figurines, and scenes from mythology. The display typically has 7, 9, or 11 steps. Women and girls from the neighborhood are invited each evening for Kumkuma Pooja and to view the display. On Saraswati Puja day (Mahanavami), books, musical instruments, and tools are placed for worship.

Vijaya Dasami: Dasara

The tenth day — Vijaya Dasami (Dasara) — celebrates the victory of good over evil (Durga's defeat of Mahishasura or Rama's victory over Ravana). Books and vehicles are worshipped again (Ayudha Puja). Vijaya Dasami is an auspicious day to start new learning, begin a new job, or commence any new activity. In Mysore and Hyderabad, Dasara processions are famous cultural events.