Maha Navami is contemplated as third and the last day of Durga Puja. Maha Navami also begins with Maha Snaan and Shodashopachara Puja.

On the day of Maha Navami Goddess Durga is worshiped and reverenced as Mahishasur Mardini which means the annihilator of Mahishasur. It is believed that on this very day Goddess Durga killed Mahishasur.

On this very day only traditions like Maha Navami Puja, Navami Havan and Durga Balidan also come into play.

When is Maha Navami celebrated?

●  If Navami Tithi starts on the Ashtami Tithi, then Navami Puja and the fast is observed on the Ashtami Tithi.
●  According to the scriptures, if the Ashtami Tithi and Navami Tithi coincides before evening on the Ashtami Tithi, then in such scenario Ashtami Puja, Navami Puja and Sandhi Puja is done on the same day.

Durga Balidan

In Durga Balidan there is a tradition of offering a sacrifice to Goddess Durga. However, many people consider the sacrifice as inappropriate so symbolically they offer the sacrifice of fruits or flowers or vegetables like banana, pumpkin and armenian cucumber (kakdi). Animal sacrifice is prohibited in most areas and communities of India.

At Belur Math in West Bengal, as a symbol sacrifice of pumpkin and sugar cane is offered on the day of Navami Puja. For Durga Balidan, use of white pumpkin is known as Kushmand. It should be kept in mind that Durga Balidan should be done on Uday Vyapini Navami Tithi. According to Nirnay Sindhu, Durga Balidan should be done in Apaharan Kaal( time between 10th and 12th muhurat of a day) on the day of Navami.

Navami Havan

Navami Havan holds a great thrust on the day of Maha Navami. This Havan is done after the Navami Puja. Navami Havan is also called as Chandi Homam. The devotees of Goddess Durga organise the Navami Havan and pray to Goddess Durga for good health and prosperity.

It should be kept in mind that Navami Havan should always be done in the afternoon time. During the Havan, in every offering to the Havan Durga Saptashi’s 700 mantras should be chanted.