Navratri 2025 in Mauritius: Nine Nights, Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

One of Hinduism's most spiritually significant festivals returns to Mauritius this October, with Navratri — also known locally as Durga Puja — observed from Sunday 11 October to Tuesday 20 October 2025. The festival is a major event in Mauritius, home to a large Hindu community that makes up roughly half the island's population. It appears on the country's official religious holiday calendar and is celebrated with prayers, fasting, devotional singing, and communal gatherings at temples across the island. **What is Navratri?** The word "Navratri" comes from Sanskrit and means literally "nine nights." Over those nine nights — and into a tenth day — devotees honour nine distinct manifestations of the goddess Durga, collectively known as the Navadurga. Each form carries its own symbolism, attributes, and spiritual meaning. The tenth and final day, known as Vijayadashami (or Dussehra), marks the triumphant conclusion of the festival. It is associated with the victory of good over evil — in particular, the defeat of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. **Why ten days if it is called "nine nights"?** The nine nights run from 11 to 19 October, with each night dedicated to one form of Durga. The tenth day, 20 October, is Vijayadashami — a day of celebration and closure rather than a night of worship. So the name reflects the core ritual period, while the tenth day crowns it. **The Nine Forms of Durga** - **Day 1 – 11 Oct: Shailaputri** — "Daughter of the Mountain." Depicted riding a bull, holding a trident and lotus. She represents the power of nature and new beginnings. - **Day 2 – 12 Oct: Brahmacharini** — The ascetic form, associated with devotion and austerity. - **Day 3 – 13 Oct: Chandraghanta** — Adorned with a crescent moon, representing courage and grace. - **Day 4 – 14 Oct: Kushmanda** — The creator of the universe, radiating solar energy. - **Day 5 – 15 Oct: Skandamata** — Mother of the war god Skanda, symbolising maternal love. - **Day 6 – 16 Oct: Katyayani** — The warrior form, fierce and powerful. - **Day 7 – 17 Oct: Kalaratri** — The dark and fearless form, destroyer of ignorance. - **Day 8 – 18 Oct: Mahagauri** — The pure and peaceful form, associated with serenity. - **Day 9 – 19 Oct: Siddhidatri** — The granter of divine knowledge and supernatural powers. - **Day 10 – 20 Oct: Vijayadashami** — The day of victory; conclusion of the festival. **What this means for life in Mauritius** For Mauritian Hindus, Navratri is a period of spiritual renewal. Many devotees observe fasts throughout the nine days, abstaining from meat and certain grains. Temples — particularly those dedicated to Durga — hold special ceremonies each evening. The festival is also a time for families to gather and for younger generations to learn about the traditions tied to each goddess form. For non-Hindu Mauritians, expats, and visitors, Navratri is a window into the island's rich Hindu heritage — and an opportunity to witness the colourful rituals and music that fill neighbourhoods across the country during these ten days. Source: ION News