Story of Navami
It is believed that Goddess Durga killed Demon Mahishasura on the day.
Various Rituals Observed on Mahanavami
The rituals associated with Navratri Maha Navami vary from region to region.
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The Sandhi Puja which is observed on the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami overlaps into the Mahanavami puja day. This ritual is very popular in North and Eastern parts of India.
In some regions, Kumari Puja is performed on the day.
A unique ritual on the day is the Vijaya ceremony. People embrace each other and forgive and forget past offenses and promise a new beginning.
Kadamati is another unique ritual that is performed by some communities. The members of the family lie down before Goddess Durga idol and sing the praise of the Goddess.
Mahanavami in Durga Puja
Maha Navami rituals are the final rituals associated with Durga Puja. The next day is Durga Murti Visarjan or immersion.
Agni and numerous gods and goddesses, minor deities, guardian deities that are invoked during the Durga Puja are given farewell on Navami. The priests are given Dakshina during the course of Navami day.
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Animal Sacrifice
In some rural areas, a large number of goats are sacrificed – a continuation of Ashtami day. But today people have realized the futility of animal sacrifice and there is a reduction in the number of sacrifices performed considering the earlier period. The sacrifice ritual is also performed in