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Sharadiya Navratri
Festival Significance
Sharadiya Navratri is the most celebrated Navratri, falling in the autumn season. It honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura and concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
Rituals
Perform Ghatasthapana on Day 1 during Abhijit Muhurta. Observe fasting for 9 days. Worship one form of Devi each day. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami feature special pujas and havan. Conclude with Kanya Puja.
Fasting
Strict fasting for 9 days. Satvic food only — no onion, garlic, grains. Fruits, milk, and sendha namak (rock salt) are permitted.
In Varanasi
Varanasi's Durga Puja celebrations during Sharadiya Navratri are grand. Pandals are set up across the city. The Bengali community organizes vibrant celebrations at Dashashwamedh Ghat area. Ramnagar's Ramlila — the world's oldest — runs concurrently.