Navratri — The Feminine Time, Its Meaning & Why We Fast

This culture draws its roots on profound observations of the human system and its relationship with the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and different aspects of the Divine. This is reflected in when and how we celebrate our festivals. Navratri literally means “nine nights.” These nine nights are counted from the day after new moon day (Amavasya). These first nine days of the lunar cycle are considered feminine — a special time for the Devi, who represents the feminine nature of the Divine. The ninth day is called Navami.

There are twelve nine-day periods in a year and each of these focuses on a different aspect of the feminine Divine (Devi). The Navratri that falls around October is considered the most significant because it is dedicated to Sharada, the goddess of learning. Among all human powers, this tradition places the highest value on learning: other creatures may be faster or stronger, but humans can learn — and that capacity for learning is the pride of being human.

Importance of Navratri — A Time of the Feminine

When we say “masculine” and “feminine,” we are referring to basic polarities in existence, not gender alone. The physical world exists between polarities — day/night, darkness/light, masculine/feminine. Male and female are manifestations of those qualities.

The post-autumnal equinox is the time of the feminine. Since this season naturally supports the feminine, societies have consciously sought to strengthen the feminine principle, because the masculine tends to assert itself without encouragement. The feminine needs deliberate support — otherwise it moves into the background. If the feminine recedes in a society, that society may become conquerors who reach the top of the world but find it tasteless — they have nothing of inner flavor despite external dominance.

Why Navratri Fasting?

Consciously bringing the feminine into daily life is important. Indian culture created processes, rituals, and practices so people undergo this transformation properly. Fasting during Navratri is a practical device: when food fills the stomach you may forget the sacredness of the days, but fasting keeps you conscious of each day. By the ninth day you become highly conscious — and fasting also purifies the body.

Navratri honours many Devis — some gentle and luminous, others fierce and terrifying. This tradition uniquely worships forms of the feminine that can be ferocious because it refuses to sacrifice intelligence, brilliance, and inner competence at the altar of mere good behaviour. Good behaviour provides social access; but life itself values capacities like intelligence and strength. The tradition preserves both social harmony and inner power.

For more on day-wise puja, colours, and timings, see our full guide: Shardiya Navratri 2025 — Full Guide.