🌕 Nine Nights with Durga: My Navaratri Journey with My New Friends from India
When I first heard about Navaratri, something stirred deep within me. A silent but steady calling, as if the goddess Durga herself was inviting me to discover hidden strengths, awaken dormant virtues — and above all, reclaim the power of love from within.
Navaratri is a sacred Hindu festival that celebrates the many manifestations of Mother Durga over nine nights. Each night honors a different aspect of the Goddess — sometimes serene, sometimes fierce, sometimes a destroyer of illusions, but always radiant with wisdom.
I was longing for inner transformation, and I knew I would find something precious on this path.
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I began with little knowledge. My heart was sincere, but I wondered: How can I truly honor this festival in Brazil, with such rich rituals and spiritual depth tied to Indian tradition?
That’s when life offered me a beautiful gift.
Through the Slowly app, I met incredible people from India who became true guides on my journey. Two of them stood out as divine companions: Naomi and Khushi.
With warmth and wisdom, they welcomed me like a spiritual brother. They shared detailed instructions for each night of Navaratri: traditional mantras, the deeper meaning behind each goddess, devotional colors, symbolic gestures, and simplified rituals that could be adapted with respect and authenticity.
They didn’t just share information — they shared experience. They helped me feel the living soul of Navaratri as it pulses in India: not just a religious event, but a spiritual dive, a sacred dance between light and shadow.
It was through this direct communication with real practitioners in India that I was able to build a true altar — not only in my home, but in my heart.
Without them, I would have simply read about Durga. With them, I lived Durga.
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Each night, I lit a candle and meditated on the corresponding form of the Goddess.
On the first night, honoring Shailaputri, I set my intention for purity. On the second, with Brahmacharini, I embraced discipline rooted in love. On the third, with Chandraghanta, I learned how to balance strength with tenderness.
Every night opened a new window within me.
With Skandamata, I felt like a child again, resting in the arms of the Divine Mother. With Kalaratri, I faced my deepest fears — no more running, no more avoiding. She showed me the patterns I needed to let go of, and I felt her sword cutting through my illusions with fierce compassion.
It was powerful. It was real. And it was only possible because two Indian women reminded me that spirituality knows no borders — only truth.
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On the final day, honoring Siddhidatri, I wrote heartfelt thank-you letters to Naomi and Khushi.
I told them that thanks to their generosity, I was able to experience Navaratri with depth and sincerity, even from thousands of miles away.
They smiled and said something I’ll never forget: true devotion doesn’t require a temple — it just requires presence, intention, and love.
Durga sees those who invoke her with a pure heart.
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Since then, I’ve continued my path with renewed faith. I meditate daily, and I’m deeply committed to my inner transformation, constantly working on my self-love to become the best version of myself.
What I learned through Navaratri — and from my dear Indian friends — is that distance is never a barrier to spiritual awakening.
Direct connection with those who live this tradition is what gave depth and authenticity to my own journey.
And the Durga who once stared at me from my altar… now also smiles from within.
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With love and deep gratitude,
Daya’Dhiisha
