Navratri means nine nights.The most popular Navratri is the one held during Ashwin Month (September – October). But there are also three other Navratris in a Hindu calendar year. The most famous among this is the Chaitra Navratri (March – April). The other two Navratris are Magh Navratri and Ashada Navratri.
A popular belief is that the Navratri during Ashwin month (September – October) was started by Sri Ram when he invoked Goddess Durga before going into battle with Ravan. Originally, Mother Goddess was invoked during the Chaitra Month (March – April)
Navratri is also written as Navratras, Navaratri and Navarathri.
The reason for observing Navratri is found in the Markandeya Purana. The chapters 81 to 93 in the Markandeya Purana talks about the slaying of demon Mahishasura or Mahisha by Durga and it is referred as Devimahatmya and is recited during the Navaratri. It symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
