What is the 9 day Navratri fasting tradition?

Many adults observe fasts during Navratri, but children usually don't. Use the topic to explain that fasting is a personal spiritual choice and people may eat lighter or special foods during the festival.

Navratri Stories for Kids: 9 Days, 9 Goddesses, and Their Stories

Q: What are the 9 days of Navratri about?

Each of the nine days is dedicated to a different form of Maa Durga. These nine goddesses represent qualities like power, wisdom, courage and compassion, and each day focuses on one form and its lesson.

Q: Why do we celebrate the Durga festival?

Navratri remembers Maa Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. It’s a reminder that good defeats evil and a chance to teach kids values like bravery and righteousness.

Q: How can I explain Navratri stories to my child?

Tell short, simple stories about each goddess, focusing on one clear lesson per day. Keep language friendly, use pictures or props, and connect the story to a value your child already understands.

Q: What happens on Day 9 of Navratri?

Day nine is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, the giver of wisdom and perfection. For kids, it’s a day to talk about the value of learning, kindness and using knowledge for good.

Q: What are the Navratri colors in 2025?

Each day has a special color — like orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green. Parents often dress kids in outfits that match the day's color.

Q: What Navratri dress is best for children?

Choose light, breathable and comfortable clothes. Girls usually wear a chaniya choli and boys a cotton kurta — both should allow easy movement for garba and dandiya.

Q: How can I make the festival fun for my child?

Tell the goddess stories, let them try dandiya sticks in a safe space, dress them in colorful outfits, and include simple rituals or crafts so the festival feels playful and memorable.

Q: Can Navratri stories be used as bedtime stories for kids?

Yes. Short, calm retellings of a goddess's story work well at bedtime — they teach values while helping kids wind down.

Q: Which goddess is linked to Lord Shiva and Parvati?

Maa Shailaputri and Maa Chandraghanta are forms of Parvati, who is Lord Shiva’s consort. Many Navratri stories describe Parvati’s different forms and connections to Shiva.

Q: How do families involve kids in the 9 days of Navratri?

Families decorate the puja corner, read a goddess story each day, dress kids in the day's color, and let them join simple rituals so they're part of the celebration.

September 9, 2025

Navratri is one of those festivals that feels like a storybook coming alive. For nine nights, we celebrate Maa Durga in her nine different forms—each with her own name, her own story, and her own lesson. Kids love it because it’s colorful, full of dance and music, and packed with tales that feel like bedtime stories with a spark of magic. Parents love it because every story carries a value—courage, kindness, patience—that children can carry with them long after the diyas are blown out.

If you’re looking for short stories for kids or a short story in English with morals, Navratri is the perfect time. Each day, you meet one goddess, hear her tale, and understand why she matters. Think of it as nine little moral stories in english wrapped inside one big Durga festival celebration.

What is Navratri?

Navratri means “nine nights.” For 9 days of Navratri and nights, we remember nine different forms of Maa Durga. Each form has her own name, her own powers, and her own story. Think of it like meeting nine superheroes—each one special in her own way.

Why do we celebrate it in India?

Long ago, there was a demon named Mahishasura who thought he was too powerful to ever be defeated. The gods prayed, and that’s when Maa Durga appeared—shining with the strength of all the gods combined. She fought Mahishasura for nine long days and finally won on the tenth day.

That’s why we celebrate the 9 day of Navratri—to remember that no matter how big the problem, good always wins over evil. And when we join the puja, sing the aarti, or even clap along during garba in a traditional garba outfit or dandiya look, we’re reminding ourselves of that same truth.

✨ Did you know? During Navratri, many families decorate a “puja corner” at home with flowers, lights, and a small idol or picture of Maa Durga. Kids love helping with the decorations, and it’s a way to show respect while learning the stories of the 9 goddesses of Navratri.

Navratri Stories – The Story of All The 9 Goddesses

The 9 days of Navratri are dedicated to the worship of nine amazing forms of Maa Durga—Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Each form has her own story, her own powers, and her own lessons to teach. Let’s dive into the magical Navratri stories for kids of these nine goddesses!

Day 1: Maa Shailaputri – Daughter of the Mountains

The first form of Durga is Shailaputri. Long ago, Goddess Sati gave up her life when her father insulted Lord Shiva. But the Divine Mother was born again—this time as Parvati, the daughter of the mighty Himalayas. That’s why she is called Shailaputri—“Shaila” means mountain, and “putri” means daughter.

In this form, she rides a calm bull, holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. She reminds us of the mountains—strong, patient, and unshaken even when storms rage.

Lesson for kids: Like a mountain, stay steady and strong, no matter how tough life feels.

Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini – The Girl Who Meditated

The second form of Durga is Brahmacharini. “Brahma” means penance or devotion, and “charini” means one who practices it. So Brahmacharini is the goddess who lives a life of prayer and meditation.

Parvati wanted Lord Shiva as her husband, but instead of using wealth or power, she chose devotion. She gave up food, comfort, and even sleep, meditating for thousands of years until Shiva accepted her love.

In this form, she carries a rosary in one hand and a water pot in the other, glowing with patience and strength.

Lesson for kids: Patience and dedication can help you reach even the hardest goals.

Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta – The Warrior Bride

The third form of Durga is Chandraghanta. Her name comes from two words: “Chandra” means moon, and “ghanta” means bell. She has a crescent moon on her forehead shaped like a bell.

On the day of her marriage, Lord Shiva came in a terrifying form—ash smeared, snakes around his neck, eyes blazing. To calm the fear and protect her family, Parvati took this warrior form. Golden and fierce, with ten arms and riding a lion, she filled the wedding with courage.

Lesson for kids: Be fearless when it’s time to stand strong and protect others.

Day 4: Maa Kushmanda – Who Smiled the Sun Into Being

The fourth form of Durga is Kushmanda. Her name comes from three words: “Ku” means little, “ushma” means warmth or energy, and “anda” means cosmic egg. She is the one whose small smile created the universe.

At the beginning of time, there was only darkness. Then Kushmanda’s radiant smile brought the Sun into being, filling the world with light and life.

In this form, she rides a tiger and holds eight different objects in her hands, each showing her many powers.

Lesson for kids: A single smile can brighten even the darkest day.

Day 5: Maa Skandamata – The Mother of Skanda

The fifth form of Durga is Skandamata. “Skanda” is another name for Kartikeya, the commander of the gods’ army, and “mata” means mother. So Skandamata is the mother of Skanda.

She is always shown holding her little son in her lap while riding a lion. Her form tells us that a mother’s love is both gentle and strong—it protects, nurtures, and gives courage.

Lesson for kids: A mother’s love is the greatest shield and the strongest courage.

Day 6: Maa Katyayani – The Demon Slayer

The sixth form of Durga is Katyayani. She is named after Sage Katyayan, who prayed for her birth so she could defeat evil. That’s why she is called Katyayani—the daughter born in Katyayan’s home.

When the demon Mahishasura grew powerful, she appeared as a fierce warrior, glowing with energy. Riding a lion and armed with weapons, she fought him bravely and finally destroyed him.

Lesson for kids: Stand up against wrong—even when it looks stronger than you.

Day 7: Maa Kalaratri – Fierce but Protective

The seventh form of Durga is Kalaratri. “Kala” means time or darkness, and “ratri” means night. She is the dark night that ends fear and destroys evil.

Her appearance is frightening—dark skin, loose hair, blazing eyes, riding a donkey. But her heart is full of kindness. When the demon Raktabija spread terror, she drank his blood before it touched the ground, saving the world.

Lesson for kids: Don’t judge someone by looks—true strength and love may hide behind a fierce face.

Day 8: Maa Mahagauri – Pure and Bright

The eighth form of Durga is Mahagauri. “Maha” means great, and “gauri” means white or shining. She is the great radiant goddess.

After years of penance, Parvati’s body had become dark and dusty. When Shiva poured holy water on her, she became glowing white and beautiful. In this form, she rides a bull, carrying a trident and a drum, blessing her devotees with peace.

Lesson for kids: Real beauty comes from kindness and a pure heart.

Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri – The Giver of Wisdom

The ninth form of Durga is Siddhidatri. Her name comes from “siddhi,” which means special powers or perfections, and “datri,” which means giver. She is the one who blesses devotees with wisdom and powers.

Sitting on a lotus, calm and radiant, she is worshipped by gods, humans, and even Lord Shiva. Her greatest gift is knowledge, which lights the path of life.

Lesson for kids: Wisdom and learning are the real superpowers.

✨ Did you know? On the tenth day after Navratri, we celebrate Vijayadashami or Dussehra—the day Maa Durga finally defeated Mahishasura. That’s why people burn effigies of Ravana too, to show that arrogance and evil can never last.

Fun Ways Kids Celebrate Navratri

Navratri isn’t just about prayers—it’s about fun too!

Dandiya & Garba: With sticks in hand and in full Navratri dress like navratri chaniya choli or navratri kurta, kids love the circle dances to fast beats. The beats are so catchy, even the shyest kid ends up twirling!
Dressing Up: Kids love wearing bright lehengas, kurta-pajamas, or ghagras. Every day has a special color, and it feels like we’re part of a living rainbow. The right traditional garba outfit or dandiya look makes it even more fun.
Prasad & Food: Who doesn’t wait for the prasad after aarti? Sweet halwa, coconut laddoos, puris, and sometimes even kheer— every Durga festival day, Navratri food is a treat for all of us.
Decorating Together: Kids enjoy setting up the puja corner while listening to a short story in English about Maa Durga. The whole house glows, and it feels like Maa Durga herself is smiling at us.

Navratri 2025: A Festival Kids Can Truly Experience

Navratri is one of the most vibrant celebrations in India, and in 2025 it will be observed from Monday, 22 September to Thursday, 2 October. For nine nights, families decorate their homes with flowers and glowing diyas, sing aarti together, and enjoy prasads like halwa, puri, and kheer. Children get to dress up in colorful clothes and join garba or dandiya with their friends—it’s music, dance, and joy everywhere you look.

But here’s the best part: for kids, Navratri isn’t just about rituals. Every single day connects them to a new story of Maa Durga—making the festival not just a set of traditions, but an adventure of nine nights filled with lessons, courage, and fun. For children, these are more than rituals. Each story is like a short story for kids in English, filled with values they can carry.

And here’s something fun: every day also has its own color. Did you know people wear yellow on the first day because it’s the color of energy and happiness? From red to green to royal blue, it’s like each day is a new rainbow page in the Navratri storybook.

Navratri Colors for 2025

Every day of Navratri has a special color linked to the Goddess of that day. Here’s a simple chart:

Day 1 (Maa Shailaputri): Orange – energy and happiness
Day 2 (Maa Brahmacharini): White – peace and purity
Day 3 (Maa Chandraghanta): Red – courage and love
Day 4 (Maa Kushmanda): Royal Blue – prosperity and health
Day 5 (Maa Skandamata): Yellow – cheerfulness and warmth
Day 6 (Maa Katyayani): Green – growth and new beginnings
Day 7 (Maa Kalaratri): Grey – balance and strength
Day 8 (Maa Mahagauri): Purple – dignity and power
Day 9 (Maa Siddhidatri): Peacock Green – wisdom and success

Kids will love wearing these colors and connecting them with each Goddess’s story.

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Closing Section

So, what do these 9 days Navratri really tell us? That we should be brave like Maa Durga, kind like a protector, and always believe that light will chase away the darkness. Next time we dress up in a navratri chaniya choli or navratri kurta, dance dandiya, or listen to a bedtime story for kids about Maa Durga, let’s remember: the nine forms of the goddess Maa Durga are right there guiding us.

FAQs on Navratri 2025 for Kids

Q1. What are the 9 days of Navratri about?
Each of the 9 days of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Maa Durga. These 9 goddesses of Navratri represent power, wisdom, courage, and compassion.

Q2. Why do we celebrate the Durga festival?
The Durga festival celebrates Maa Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. It teaches kids that good always wins over evil.

Q3. How can I explain Navratri stories to my child?
You can share short stories for kids about each goddess. A simple short story in English works well for bedtime, keeping it fun and meaningful.

Q4. What happens on Day 9 of Navratri?
Day 9 of Navratri is for Maa Siddhidatri, who blesses devotees with wisdom. For kids, it’s a day to understand the value of knowledge and learning.

Q5. What are the Navratri colors in 2025?
Each day has a different color, like yellow, green, or red. Parents often dress kids in a Navratri kurta or navratri chaniya choli matching the day’s color.

Q6. What Navratri dress is best for children?
Light and comfortable clothes work best. Girls often wear a navratri chaniya choli, while boys wear a simple navratri kurta for a traditional garba outfit.

Q7. How can I make the festival fun for my child?
Tell Navratri stories, let them try dandiya sticks, and dress them in a colorful dandiya look. Kids enjoy it when the festival feels playful.

Q8. Can Navratri stories be used as bedtime stories for kids?
Yes! A short story in English about Maa Durga or Lord Shiva and Parvati can be perfect as bedtime stories for kids.

Q9. Which goddess is linked to Lord Shiva and Parvati?
Maa Shailaputri and Goddess Chandraghanta are directly connected to Parvati, who is Lord Shiva’s consort.

Q10. How do families involve kids in the 9 days of Navratri?
Families decorate the puja corner, read Navratri stories, and dress kids in festive outfits. Simple rituals keep children engaged.

Q11. What is special about Goddess Chandraghanta?
On the 3rd day of Navratri, Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped. She is known for bravery and is remembered as the goddess who married Lord Shiva.

Q12. What food is usually prepared for kids during Navratri?
Families prepare satvik food like fruits, kheer, or puri with aloo. Kids often enjoy prasad after puja.

Q13. How can working parents make Navratri special for kids?
Even small things help—reading one story in English before bed, dressing them in Navratri kurta or chaniya choli, or joining one garba night.

Q14. Why are colors important in Navratri dress?
Each goddess has a favorite color, and wearing it brings positivity. Kids love matching their navratri dress with the color of the day.

Q15. How do I explain the 9 goddesses of Navratri to my child?
Keep it simple: each goddess is like a superhero with her own strength. Share one goddess’s story each day to make it fun.

Q16. What is the 9 day of Navratri fasting tradition?
Parents may fast, but children usually don’t. Instead, you can explain why people eat light food during the festival.

Q17. Can kids join garba and dandiya?
Absolutely! Just keep their traditional garba outfit comfortable. A lightweight navratri chaniya choli or cotton kurta works best for dancing.

Q18. How do bedtime stories connect with Navratri?
Every goddess has a story in English that can be told as a bedtime story for kids. This way, kids wind down while learning values.

Q19. What should I do if my child asks many questions about rituals?
Answer simply: tell them rituals are ways to remember Maa Durga. Use Navratri stories to explain why we pray, dance, and wear special outfits.

Q20. What is the best way to end Navratri for children?
On the last day, families often do kanya puja and share prasad with kids. You can also recap the 9 stories of Navratri as one big bedtime story in English.

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