Maha Navami is the ninth day of the waxing Moon in Ashvina, the last full day of Durga Puja. The Navami homa is performed, bhog is served to thousands at the pandals, and the evening is the busiest of the four. At Kamakhya the fortnight of worship closes. In the villages of Lower Assam the day is also one for the worship of weapons and tools.
The story
It is the day of the goddess's victory over Mahishasura. She is thought of as a daughter on a short visit home, and the last evening is the most crowded because she leaves tomorrow.
Assam's images are made by potters from Bengal and by local artists, and in recent years of bamboo, cane and even betel nut.
How it is kept
- Navami homaThe fire offering that completes the puja.
- BhogKhichuri, labra and payas for all.
- AratiWith the dhak and the dhunuchi.
- Pandal-hoppingUntil late at night.
Why this date
Maha Navami is the Navami of the bright fortnight of Ashvina, on the day it is present at sunrise.
Maha Navami in other years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday | |
| 2027 | Saturday | |
| 2028 | Wednesday | |
| 2029 | Monday | |
| 2030 | Saturday | |
| 2031 | Friday |
More Assamese festivals
7 OctoberMaha Ashtamiমহা অষ্টমী
10 OctoberBijoya Dashamiবিজয়া দশমী
29 OctoberKali Puja and Diwaliকালী পূজা · দীপাৱলী
4 SeptemberGanesh Chaturthiগণেশ চতুৰ্থী
19 OctoberKati Bihuকাতি বিহু
24 AugustJanmashtamiজন্মাষ্টমী
Where to see Maha Navami
In Assam
- GuwahatiAssamThe city's oldest pujas, at Uzan Bazaar and Panbazar.
- Kamakhya TempleAssamThe close of Pakhua Puja, the fortnight of worship.
- Dirgheswari Temple, North GuwahatiAssamA rock shrine of the goddess across the river.
Across India
- KolkataWest BengalThe last night of Durga Puja, with the dhunuchi dance.
- ShillongMeghalayaThe hill capital's pujas, and the Khasi kings' own rite at Nartiang.
- MysuruKarnatakaAyudha Puja at the palace, the day before the procession.