Navaratri or Navaratra is the most-awaited and auspicious nine-day festival for paying respect to Goddess Durga. People celebrate and worship her nine forms on these days as each day is linked with an incarnation of the goddess.

Across India, the festival is celebrated by decorating homes and offices with diyas, rangolis, flowers and lights. The period culminates with Dashami (the tenth day of Navaratri)—also called Dussehra or Vijayadashami—marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and of Lord Rama over Ravana.

Additionally, as Navaratri means ‘nine nights’, it is considered a duration of happiness after a hectic year, just like a peaceful night after a day of intense work. Thus, people observe fast, eat healthy and practice peace and contentment for these nine days. By Vijayadashami, members of Indian families dispersed all across the world, meet up over lavish meals, dance, lights and lots of fun.

In Gujarat, the festival is observed by doing the Garba and Dandiya folk dances. While in West Bengal, Devi Durga is venerated with grandiose and vigour.

No matter the differences in customs, the core value of the festival is the victory of good over evil.

Among the many ways of helping the needy, feeding them can be extremely beneficial for them. Once they are healthy, they can focus on improving other aspects of their lives. Children can continue their education while elders can work efficiently to improve their financial situation.