The origin and history of the nine-day Navratri vrat and fasting is
associated with Bhagvan Sri Ram. Legend has it that Sage Narada asked Bhagavan
Sri Ram to invoke Mother Goddess before going into war against Ravana and his
powerful demon army.
Sri Ram then invoked Mother Goddess Durga and took her
blessings. With her blessings, he was successful in his campaign against
Ravana. It is believed that he performed the puja and rituals for nine days.
There is also another belief that Durga Puja was originally
held during spring season or Basant. It was Lord Ram who changed the nine-day worship
period of Goddess Durga from Chaitra (March – April) to Ashwin (September – October).
Navratri and Durga Puja in Ashwin month (September – October)
is also known as Akal Bodhon, or untimely invocation, as Lord Ram had invoked
her during the Ashwin month.