It is believed that Chamundeswari fought with Mahishasura for nine days on a hill presently called Chamundi hill in Mysore. So the people of Mysore celebrate this festival with much grandeur. Presently the Karnataka Government is organising this festival, which was once patronised by kings. Kannadigas believe that goddess Durga will be in sleep from Ashada, shukla ashtami (8th day of Ashada month). Hence, she is awakened during Navarathri. This act of awakening is called Bodhana by them
- 1st day of Navarathri – idol installation day
- 2nd day of Navarathri – Offering of ribbons for her hairdo
- 3rd day – Colour the feet of Goddess by turmeric and offer a mirror for her dressing up
- 4th day – Offering of a sweet preparation called Madhuparkam
- 5th day – Offering of scent, cosmetics and Jewellery
- 6th day – Invocation of Goddess Chamundi into ‘Bilwa’ tree
- Remaining three days - performance of special pujas
- 10th day Dasami – Procession of elephants with torches lit behind them. Lakhs of people throng to witness this exhibition of elephants. Fire works are lit all through the procession.
The celebrations close with the immersion of Goddess. Which is called Nimajjanam.
Celebrations in West Bengal
For people of West Bengal this Navarathri festival is very important. Beautiful idols of Durga are made and worshipped with different names like "Skanda mata', Kooshmanda", Katyayani, Gowri Devi etc. On the day of Dasami, after the procession, the idol is immersed in water.
Celebrations in Maharashtra
In Maharashtra the goddess is called Yogeeswari. Maharshtrians worship the idols of this Goddess in their houses and invite guests. In Gujarat, women and girls worship the goddess with betel leaves. They form into circles around the lighted lamps and dance, which is called Ras Garba. They play "dandia" with small sticks.
In the states Bihar, Punjab, Haryana, Kashmir and UP a ritual called "Kanyaka Pooja" is performed. In Tamilnadu a variety doll show and a social gathering is organised. Sundal, a kind of eatable is offered to people. In Delhi, the festival is called Ramleela, the effigies of Ravana, Kumbha Karna and Indrajit are made and burnt. In the Kulu valley of Himachal Pradesh, this festival takes a special form. Lord Raghunatha and Goddess Hidimba are worshipped. As it is a big tourist centre; foreign tourists also take part in the festival celebrations.
