Sixteen Days of Divine Devotion: The Unique Navratri and Durga Puja of Jharkhand
The state of Jharkhand, rich in cultural and spiritual heritage, celebrates the festival of Navratri and Durga Puja with a devotion that reflects both ancient royal traditions and deep-rooted community faith. Unlike most parts of India, where Sharadiya Navratri spans nine days, Jharkhand observes a unique 16-day Navratri, culminating on Vijayadashami. The extended worship period symbolizes not just religious fervor but also the continuation of a centuries-old tradition linked to Sri Rama’s invocation of Goddess Durga before his victory over Ravana.
In 2026, there is mal Maas or Adhik Masa so the Navratri festival in certain temples will be for 45 days start from October 4. The 16-day festival is from October 4 to October 20.
The Origins of the Sixteen-Day Navratri
According to traditional belief, Sri Rama initiated the worship of Maa Durga for sixteen days to seek divine strength before his battle in Lanka. This form of worship, known as Akal Bodhan, marks the awakening of the Goddess outside her usual time of worship during spring. The ritual is deeply rooted in the Devi Mahatmya (Markandeya Purana), where it is said:
“Ya Devi sarvabhuteshu shakti rupena samsthita, namastasyai namastasyai namastasyai namo namah.”
(Devi Mahatmya, Chapter 5, Verse 16)
This verse honors the omnipresent power of the Divine Mother who resides in all beings as energy and strength.
In Jharkhand, the tradition of 16-day Navratri is said to have been preserved for over four to five centuries, especially among the royal families and traditional households. The rituals begin on Ashwin Krishna Paksha Navami, the day following Jitiya (Jivitputrika Vrat), and end on Vijayadashami, the day of triumph and divine victory.
Rituals and Worship Practices
The rituals of Navratri in Jharkhand are marked by deep reverence and meticulous observances. Devotees install the Kalash (sacred pot), symbolizing the presence of Goddess Durga, and invoke her divine energies through mantras, fasting, and daily puja. Temples and homes resonate with Chandi Path, the recitation of verses from the Durga Saptashati, where the Mother Goddess is praised for her valor and protection.
Each of the sixteen days represents an aspect of spiritual progression — from purification to enlightenment. The devotees engage in Sankalp, Anusthan, Havan, and Pushpanjali, seeking blessings for courage, prosperity, and removal of negativities. The rhythmic beating of dhak drums, the fragrance of incense, and the lighting of thousands of diyas create an atmosphere of divine grace.
When Malmas Extends the Celebration To 45 Days
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, every three years comes a year with an extra month, known as Malmas or Adhik Maas. When this occurs alongside Navratri, the rituals in Jharkhand are extended to forty-five days, making it one of the longest and most spiritually intense periods of worship. During these extended celebrations, rituals are conducted primarily in temples, while devotees continue to observe fasts and prayers at home.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
Navratri symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil, light and darkness. The Goddess is worshiped in her various forms — Durga as the destroyer of evil, Lakshmi as the giver of wealth and prosperity, and Saraswati as the embodiment of wisdom. Together, they signify the threefold path of life: strength, abundance, and knowledge.
In the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 4, Verse 8), Lord Krishna proclaims:
“Paritranaya sadhunam vinashaya cha dushkritam, dharma-samsthapanarthaya sambhavami yuge yuge.”
(“For the protection of the virtuous, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of righteousness, I manifest myself in every age.”)
This divine message aligns perfectly with the essence of Navratri — the restoration of righteousness and the triumph of the divine feminine force.
Durga Puja and Vijayadashami in Jharkhand
The culmination of the 16-day Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja and Vijayadashami. Elaborate pandals are erected across cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and Dhanbad, showcasing magnificent idols of Maa Durga slaying Mahishasura. On Vijayadashami, idols are immersed in rivers with chants of “Durga Mai ki Jai!”, symbolizing the Goddess’s return to her celestial abode and the victory of good over evil.
The Benefits and Blessings
Devotees believe that observing the 16-day Navratri grants spiritual purification, mental peace, and divine protection. Fasting and devotion help align the body and mind, while prayers invite inner strength and clarity. The worship of the Divine Mother during this sacred period is said to remove karmic obstacles and bring prosperity to families.
Final Thoughts
The 16-day Navratri of Jharkhand stands as a living testimony to India’s timeless faith in the power of the Divine Feminine. It unites devotion, discipline, and tradition into one grand celebration of Shakti — the source of all creation. Whether for nine days, sixteen, or forty-five, the essence remains the same: the eternal worship of the Goddess who destroys evil, nurtures righteousness, and blesses her devotees with boundless grace.