Navratras.....Hindu's New Year

This celebration in honor of the goddess,the mother of the world, begins on the first day of Ashvin,and continues for nine days. She is known by many names: Kali, Laxmi, Sarasvati ,Chandi-ka, Durga, Bhavani, Ambika, Ashtabhuja.Her main task is to punish the wicked.She is sitting on a lion. Her weapons are the shul(pike),chakra(wheel),parshu(axe) and talvar(sword). Kali is known as Mahisha-surmardini,the slayer of the demon Mahishasur.The fight against the demon begins on the first day until he is defeated on the ninth day.

Navratras are celebrations of Maa Durga.Navratras are observed twice a year. The first set of Navratras are celebrated in March & April and the second in September & October.