Navratri 2019: Nine-day long festival begins with great fervor on the first day

The festival is popularly and prominently celebrated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Karnataka.

Navratri in Sanskrit means nine nights in which nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped in a particular order. Alongside observing fast and performing various rituals, preparing a special offering for each day holds symbolic significance.

The occasion is believed to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, which signifies the victory of good over evil.

This year, Navratri is being observed from September 29 to October 7.

Happy Navratri to you and your family!