Maha Navami is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her ninth form, Siddhidatri, who is considered the granter of all siddhis or supernatural powers. It is believed that on Maha Navami, Goddess Durga killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The day begins with a ritual known as ‘Navami Homa’, which is considered the final act of the spiritual awakening, achieved by religious rites during Navratri. Homes and temples are filled with devotees offering prayers, fruits, sweets, and flowers to the Goddess. In many parts of India, Kanya Puja or Kanjak, which involves the worship of nine young girls representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, is also performed on this day.

In Eastern India, Maha Navami is part of the Durga Puja festivities. On this day, the Sandhi Puja is conducted at the juncture of Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, which involves offering 108 lotus flowers and lighting 108 lamps.

Maha Navami is a day of reverence, devotion, and celebration, embodying the power of the feminine and the triumph of good over evil.