Navratri, a nine-night festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion in India, holds deep significance in Indian religion and culture. The word ‘Navratri’ means ‘nine nights’ (nav - nine, ratri - night), and these nights are dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, shakti or embodiment of divine energy. While Navratri is widely known for its vibrant dances, sumptuous feasts and ornate attire, its real meaning goes far beyond these surface-level observations. In this article, we will delve deeper into Navratri to highlight its spiritual and cultural significance in Indian religion.