Navadurga: The Nine Goddesses of Navratri

Each night of Navratri honours one form of the Goddess. Together they are the Navadurga, nine forms named in the Devi Kavacham, recited alongside the Devi Mahatmya. Tradition sees them as nine stages of Durga's nine-night battle with the demon Mahishasur, won on the tenth day, Vijayadashami.

Night 1 belongs to Shailputri, Parvati reborn as the daughter of the Himalaya.

Night 2 belongs to Brahmacharini, the ascetic who performed penance for ages to win Shiva. She stands for devotion and patience.

Night 3 belongs to Chandraghanta, who wears a bell-shaped crescent moon on her forehead and rides a lion.

Night 4 belongs to Kushmanda, whose gentle smile is said to have brought light into the dark cosmos.

Night 5 belongs to Skandamata, mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), commander of the devas.

Night 6 belongs to Katyayani, born of the sage Katyayana's devotion, the warrior form linked with the slaying of Mahishasur.

Night 7 belongs to Kalaratri. Her form is fearsome, yet her right hand is always raised in blessing, which is why she is also called Shubhankari, the one who does good.

Night 8 belongs to Mahagauri, radiant white after bathing in the waters of the Ganga, the very picture of purity.

Night 9 belongs to Siddhidatri, giver of the eight siddhis, the final step of the journey.

It is a ladder of the spirit, from grounding to fulfilment. And in Gujarat every rung is climbed dancing: each night's garba is an aarti in motion, circling the Goddess.