The festival of Shardiya Navratri is around the corner. The 9-day festival is all about worshipping 9 avatars of Goddess Durga. This year, the festival commences on October 3 and will continue till October 11, marking October 12 as Vijaydashmi or Dussehra. During these 9 days, 9 avatars of Maa Durga are worshipped. The 9 avatars of Maa Durga are Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Maa Skandamata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kalaratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. The festival is also said to foster a sense of community and cultural identity. It is celebrated with dance, music, and various local traditions, showcasing the rich diversity of Indian culture.

Also Read: Fasting rules to follow and what to eat and avoid during the 9-day festival

As per experts, each avatar of Maa Durga is worshipped with a set of mantras, puja rituals and a certain type of bhog , which is also considered to be her favourite food or ingredient. Let us tell you about each avatar of Maa Durga and her favourite bhog that one can offer to seek blessings.

Day 1: Goddess Shailputri
Goddess Shailputri is the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She holds a Trishul in one hand and a lotus in the other and rides a bull called Nandi.

What to offer: It is suggested to offer pure ghee to the Goddess. It is believed that by offering pure ghee, devotees are blessed with a life free of diseases and illness.


Day 2: Goddess Brahmacharini
This day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. She walks barefoot with a rudraksh mala in one hand and a sacred Kamandalu in the other.
What to offer: Goddess Brahmacharini is offered sugar for the longevity of life.

Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta
The third day of Navratri is of Goddess Chandraghanta, who is a fierce 10-armed goddess with a crescent moon on her forehead.
What to offer: As per experts, it is suggested to offer her Kheer, and it is believed that offering her dishes made with milk drives away all pains of life.

Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda
Chaturthi or the fourth day of Navratri is of Devi Kushmanda. The name Kushmanda is derived from three words - ‘Ku’ (little), ‘Ushma’ (warmth or energy) and ‘Amnda’ (egg), which means the creator of the universe.
What to offer: It is suggested to offer Malpua to Maa Kushmanda to improve their intellect and decision-making ability.


Day 5: Goddess Skandamata
Goddess Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day and she is a four-armed deity, who carries a lotus in two of her arms with a sacred Kamandalu and a bell in the other two.
What to offer: As per historians, Banana is the favourite fruit of Goddess Skandmata.

Day 6: Goddess Katyayani
The sixth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, who is a form of Shakti and is considered as one of the most violent forms of Goddess Parvati. She has four arms and carrying a sword.
What to offer: It is suggested to offer Honey as prasad to Devi Katyayani to help protect from all hurdles of life and spread sweetness in life.

Day 7: Goddess Kaalratri
Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is of Goddess Kaalratri and she is a four-armed deity who rides a donkey, carries a sword, a trident, and a noose. She has a third eye on her forehead that is believed to contain the entire universe.
What to offer: It is suggested to offer Jaggery as prasad to Devi Kaalratri for relief from pains, obstacles and bring happiness.

Day 8: Goddess Mahagauri
Durga Ashtami or the eight-day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri and she is a four-armed deity who rides on a bull or a white elephant. She carries a Trishul and a damru in her hands.
What to offer: Goddess Mahagauri is offered Coconut or dishes made with Coconut on this day.

Day 9: Goddess Siddhidatri
The ninth or the final day of Navratri is of Goddess Siddhidhatri and she is projected as a four-armed deity sitting on a lotus, holding a mace, discus and a book and lotus in her hands.
What to offer: As per legends, Sesame Seeds are offered to this manifestation of Devi, for safety and security from unnatural events.