Gupt Navratri, also referred as Gayatri or Ashada Navratri, is nine days dedicated to the nine forms of Shakti (Mother Goddess) in the Hindi month of Ashada (June – July). Gupt Navaratri is observed during the Ashada Shukla Paksha.
Gupt Navratri rituals are followed mainly in the Hindi speaking states inIndia. It is largely observed by women in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The nine days are dedicated to worship of various forms of Shakti.
This Navartri is particularly important for all Upasakas or worshippers of Varahi. Varahi is one of the seven Matrikas of Devi Mahatmya. It is also referred as Guhya Navratri in Himachal Pradesh.
Some people fast on certain days of Gupt Navratri and vegetarian food is consumed during the period. The most important event during the nine-day period is community worship of the nine forms of Durga or Shakti. Women in a locality gather in a household during evening and worship Mother Goddess.
Gupt Navratri is also observed during the Hindi month Shukla Paksha of Magh (January – February).
