On day 9, Mā Durgā is worshipped in her most divine form Mā Siddhidātri. Siddhidātri is made up of – Siddhi, which means ‘perfection’ and Datri means ‘on who provides or bestows. Siddhidātri, one who grants perfection in every activity that Her devotees undertake.
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On day 8, the Mahā Aṣtami, Devi Mahāgauri is invoked with great devotion. Devi Mahāgauri, the eighth form of Nava Durgā radiates purity, peace, and tranquillity. Her name itself signifies her luminous milky white complexion as Mahā means ‘great; Gauri refers to fair or bright. She is adorned in pristine white garments, symbolising her transcendence over darkness and impurities.
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On day 7, Mā Durgā takes the 7th form as Mā Kālarātri, one of the fiercest forms of Durgā and her appearance evokes fear. ‘Kāla’ means ‘death & time’, and ‘Rātri’ means ‘night’. This form is believed to be the destroyer of all demonic qualities and negative energies, who flee upon knowing of her arrival. She killed the demons Śumbha & Niśumbha.
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On day 6, Devi Kātyāyanī one of the avatars of Mā Śakti is worshipped. As per Śrimad Bhāgvata Pūrāṇa, young eligible ladies in Gokula observed fast during the month of Mārghaśīrṣa and offered prayers to Goddess Kātyāyanī to get Bhagwān Kṛṣṇa as their consort.
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On day 5, Devi Pārvati is worshipped in her motherhood stage as ‘Skandmāta’. Devi Pārvati is the mother of Kārtikeya (Bhagwān Skanda) and thus revered as Skanda Mātā.
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On day 4, Mā Durgā is worshipped as Mā Kuśmandā. Kuśmandā, a sanskrit word is made up of ‘Ku’ meaning a little; ‘uśma’ meaning ‘warmth’, and ‘anḍa’ meaning ‘cosmic egg’. As per purāṇa, she is considered the creator of the Universe.
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On day 3, Mā Durgā’s manifestation as Chandraghantā is worshipped. Chandraghantā means “one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell”. Her third eye is always open, signifying her perpetual readiness for battle against evil. She is believed to reward people with her grace, bravery, and courage. She establishes justice and discipline.
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On day 2, Hindus honour Mā Durgā’s manifestation as Brahmacāriṇī. ‘Brahma’ means penance and ‘Cāriṇī’ means an ardent female devotee.
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On day 1, Hindus honour Mā Durgā’s manifestation as Śailputrī. She is believed to be the provider of prosperity. She is hailed as Mother Nature and prays for their spiritual awakening. She governs the Moon, the provider of all fortunes.
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Makar(a) Sankranti is the only Hindu festival based on the solar calendar. Makar Sankranti is the celebration of the sun’s journey from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere and is considered an auspicious time.