Navarathri (meaning ‘nine nights’) is a Hindu festival celebrated between September and October that is dedicated to the goddess Devi, who is usually represented in three forms: Durga, the goddess of destruction; Saraswathi, the goddess of learning and creative arts; and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The festival is celebrated over nine days, three days each for the various manifestations of Devi, and involves the performance of elaborate rituals in Hindu temples. The festival culminates in a grand celebration on the tenth day, known as Vijaya Dasami (Victory Star), which is believed to be the day when the goddesses triumphed over the demons.
