Navratri is a festival that holds great significance in Hinduism and is celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra (March–April) and Ashwin (September–October). The word “Navratri” translates to “nine nights” in Sanskrit. ‘Nava’ means ‘nine,’ and ‘Ratri’ means ‘night’, and during Navratri, devotees observe fasts and engage in various spiritual practices to honor the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, who represent different aspects of the divine feminine energy. The festival of Navratri is celebrated for several reasons, one of which is the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, Navratri celebrates the triumph of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, who had been causing chaos and destruction in the world. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of a different form of goddess. The festival also marks the changing of the seasons, as it is observed during the transition from summer to autumn.

One of the spiritual practices of Navratri is Kanya Pujan (worship of girls), a ritual in which young girls are worshiped and offered food and gifts. It is believed that the goddess resides in young girls, and by offering prayers to young girls, one can earn the blessings of the goddess and bring good fortune to their household. The ritual symbolizes the worship of divine feminine energy and the importance of nurturing and protecting young girls. 

At Narayan Seva Sansthan, we celebrate Navratri with a focus on the empowerment of underprivileged girls with disabilities. By doing Kanya Pujan for differently-abled girls, we aim to raise awareness about their needs and provide them with medical care and education. We invite you to join us in our efforts to make a difference in the lives of these girls and create a more inclusive society for all.