नवरात्रि, the nine nights festival of the Hindu goddess, is celebrated in autumn every year. Observed for different reasons, it is celebrated differently in various parts of India.
Navratri celebrates either Durga or Rama depending upon the region. In the eastern and north-eastern states of India, the Durga Puja is celebrated wherein goddess Durga battles and emerges victorious over the buffalo demon to help restore Dharma. In the northern and western states, Dussehra is celebrated where "Rama Lila" ( a stage show of ancient epic poem) is organised that celebrates the battle and victory of god Rama over the demon king Ravana. In southern states, the victory of different goddesses, of Rama or Saraswati is celebrated. In all cases, the common theme is the battle and victory of Good over Evil.
Navaratri is celebrated in different ways throughout India. Some fast, others feast. Some revere the same Mother Goddess but different aspects of her, while others revere avatars of Vishnu, particularly of Rama. The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in Rama Navmi on the ninth day, and the Sharada Navaratri culminates in Durga Puja.
