Shardiya Navratri-the nine-night-long joyous festival in the honor of Goddess Durgabegins this year on October 3 and culminates with Vijayadashami on October 12. As devotees gear up to welcome Maa Durga into their homes and hearts, a thorough cleansing ritual has to be performed in order to invite her blessings. London-based Hindu Priest Arjun Pandey