Maha Navami is the third and final day of the Durga Puja and it is observed on the ninth day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) on the month of Ashwin. The day begins with ‘Mahasnan’ and ‘Shodashopachar’ Puja. Maha Navami starts after the Sandhi Puja on the day of Maha Ashtami and it is also considered as the penultimate day of Durga Puja.
On the day of Maha Navami, Goddess Durga is worshipped as ‘Mahisasuramardini’- The Annihilator of the Buffalo Demon. It is also believed that on the day of Navami, Devi Durga killed the demon Mahishahur. Maha Navami rituals are considered as the final rituals associated with Durga Puja. The ‘Maha Aarti’ on this day formally considered as the end of religious customs. Bhogs and Prasad is offered to Goddess Durga and shared by the devotees after the Aarti.