October 3, 2023: Navratri is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the goddess Durga. The word Navratri means "nine nights" in Sanskrit.

Navratri is celebrated first in the month of Chaitra (March/April), and again in the month of Ashvin (September–October). It is celebrated differently in various parts of the Hindu-Indian cultural sphere. Hindus celebrate four Navratri in a year.

But when the autumn season sets in, it is called Sharadiya Navratri. This time, Sharadiya Navratri will begin from October 15 (Uday Tithi) to October 24 (Vijaydashami). The main day of Shardiya Navratri is called Pratipada, and the last day is called Maha Navami. The Pratipada tithi of Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month will begin at 11:24 p.m. on October 14 and end at 1:32 a.m. on October 16.

Devotees pay tribute to the nine forms of Goddess Durga during the ten days (9 nights). The nine forms of Goddess are Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.