Sharad Navratri Day Six Worship of Goddess Katyayani Brings Festive Fervour

The Dasara Sharad Navratri celebrations have reached their sixth day. On Friday, October 16, which marks Ashwayuja Shuddha Shashti, devotees across the state are worshiping Goddess Katyayani, the sixth manifestation among the Navadurgas. The nine-day festival began on October 11 and will conclude with Vijayadashami on October 20.

According to traditional beliefs, the goddess incarnated as the daughter of Sage Katyayana and destroyed the demon Mahishasura. She is depicted riding a lion, holding a sword in one hand and a lotus in the other. Devotees chant the sacred mantra "Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah" and offer honey as a traditional prasadam on this occasion.

At Indrakeeladri, Kanaka Durga adorns a different special attire every day during the celebrations. In Telangana, the festivities are marked by colorful Bathukamma celebrations alongside Durga Puja pandals set up across towns and villages.

Navratri is traditionally celebrated with great religious fervor across the country, where people offer prayers for strength, peace, and prosperity. Temples and neighborhood pandals host special rituals and daily prayers throughout the nine days.