NAVARATRI 2026
A 9-Day Retreat
of Healing, Honoring & Celebrating the Sacred Feminine Within
"From Shakti, all life arises
Through Shakti, all life is sustained.
Into Shakti, all life returns."
The Divine Feminine is the living power of creation
—the sacred energy through which life is born, nourished, transformed and ultimately reunited with its Divine Source.
In the yogic tradition, this infinite creative power is known as Shakti. She is the dynamic expression of the Divine that flows through all existence: the force behind every breath, every heartbeat, every act of creation and every moment of transformation.
For nine sacred nights we gather to honour this Divine Presence through the many forms of Maa Durga, reawakening within ourselves the courage, compassion, wisdom and unconditional love that the feminine embodies.
Whether you come seeking a deeper spiritual connection, healing, personal transformation, or simply a space to reconnect with your inner feminine, Navaratri offers a rare opportunity to look within, open the heart and rediscover the sacred strength of the feminine living within you.
Who is Maa Durga?
Maa Durga is one of the most beloved manifestations of the Divine Mother in the Hindu tradition and the central deity honoured throughout Navaratri.
She embodies unconditional love, fierce compassion, wisdom, courage and divine protection.
Whenever fear, ignorance or imbalance arise, Durga represents the power that restores harmony and reminds us of the limitless strength of the mother, an energy that is present in all.
She is often depicted riding a lion or tiger, symbolising mastery over fear and the instinctive mind. The sacred weapons she carries are not symbols of violence, but of the inner qualities we cultivate throughout life—discernment, courage, compassion, surrender and wisdom.
A Living Experience at the City of New Light
Experiencing Navaratri at the City of New Light, guided by Shivananda Swamiji is an invitation to live one of India's most sacred traditions from the inside.
Each day follows the energetic qualities of one of the Nine Forms of Maa Durga, allowing the ancient wisdom of Navaratri to unfold as a direct personal experience.
Together we immerse ourselves in authentic Ashram life through daily pujas, mantra chanting, meditation, sacred fire ceremonies (Yajna), devotional music, yoga, silence and spiritual teachings.
Each ceremony, meditation and teaching becomes an opportunity not only to honour an ancient tradition, but to experience its transformative power within ourselves—opening the heart, calming the mind, awakening intuition and gently releasing emotional and ancestral patterns that no longer serve us.
Surrounded by nature and held within a conscious community, these sacred days become a space to pause, listen deeply and reconnect with the Divine Presence that quietly guides every life.
Monte Sacro is a sacred meeting point
This year, we gather in the City of New Light at Monte Sacro, a living field devoted to consciousness, transformation, and the remembrance of our divine nature. More than a retreat center, Monte Sacro is becoming a sacred meeting point between ancient wisdom and the emerging consciousness of humanity—a place where spiritual practice, energetic evolution, and community converge.
NAVARATRI 2026 • PROGRAM
Daily Journey Through the Nine Sacred Nights
"Each day unfolds under the guidance of one of the Nine Divine Forms of Maa Durga.
Through yoga, meditation, sacred ritual, spiritual teachings and embodied practices, we journey through a progressive path of healing, awakening and inner transformation.
The program may gently evolve according to the guidance of Shivananda Swami and the natural unfolding of the retreat."
DAY ONE • Sunday, 11 October | Maa Shailaputri
Grounding • Stability • New Beginnings
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Hatha Yoga | Rooting into the Earth
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Shailaputri
Theme: Grounding - Stability - Trust
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Sankalpa (Sacred Intention Ceremony)
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Nature Meditation | Becoming the Mountain
Earth Connection Practice • Blessing at the Baba Tree • Barefoot Walking Meditation
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Satsang | Navaratri | The Sacred Feminine Within
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY TWO • Monday, 12 October | Maa Brahmacharini
Devotion • Inner Peace • Presence
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Meditative Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Brahmacharini
Theme: Entering the Inner Temple
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Silence • Self-Inquiry
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Abisheckm Divine Mothers| Returning + Puriying Within
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Silent Energy Transmission & Meditation
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY THREE • Tuesday, 13 October | Maa Chandraghanta
Courage • Compassion • Opening the Heart
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Heart Opening Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Chandraghanta
Theme: Healing Through the Heart
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Heart-Centred Teachings
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Embodied Partner Practice | Opening the Heart
Partner Awareness Practices • Conscious Communication • Avataran Healing • Flower Offering Ceremony
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Bhajan & Meditation | Returning to the Heart of the Divine Mother
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY FOUR • Wednesday, 14 October | Maa Kushmanda
Creativity • Joy • Life Force
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Dynamic Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Kushmanda
Theme: Awakening Creative Shakti
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Creative Visualisation
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – DARSHAN | The Joy of Creation
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Kundalini Activation | The Life Force of Creation
Navadurga Puja • Bhajans • Meditation • Satsang
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY FIVE • Thursday, 15 October | Maa Skandamata
Compassion • Nurturing • Unconditional Love
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Restorative Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Skandamata
Theme: Receiving the Love of the Mother
Kriya • Pranayama • Heart Meditation
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Sea Integration | Resting in the Mother's Embrace
Sacred Water Ceremony at the Sea • Deep Rest • Reflective Journaling
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Samar Payami Puja
Flower Puja • Mantra
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY SIX • Friday, 16 October | Maa Katyayani
Truth • Courage • Sacred Power
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Empowerment Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Katyayani
Theme: Embodying Authentic Power
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Teachings on the Sacred Feminine & Masculine
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – DARSHAN
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Fire Puja | The Sacred Warrior
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY SEVEN • Saturday, 17 October | Maa Kalaratri
Transformation • Liberation • Fearlessness
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Grounding Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Kalaratri
Theme: Meeting the Shadow with Compassion
Kriya • Pranayama • Transformational Teachings
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Dynamic Movement + Emotional Release Practice
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Meditation | Meeting the Inner Shadow
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY EIGHT • Sunday, 18 October | Maa Mahagauri
Peace • Purification • Grace
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Gentle Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Mahagauri
Theme: Returning to Inner Peace
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Forgiveness Practice
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Silent Meditation & Integration in Nature | Returning to Grace
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Kirtan | Celebrating the Sacred Feminine
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY NINE • Monday, 19 October | Maa Siddhidatri
Integration • Wisdom • Divine Grace
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Integrative Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking with Maa Siddhidatri
Theme: Wholeness & Divine Union
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Gratitude Practice
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Shakti Patt Transmission | Gifts of the Sacred Feminine
3:30 PM – Vegetarian Lunch
7:30 PM – Kundalini Activation | Unifying Your True Self
9:30 PM – Evening Tea & Light Snack
DAY TEN • Tuesday, 20 October | Vijayadashami
The Victory of Light
6:30 AM – Silent Meditation & Final Divine Mother Durga Arati
7:30 AM – Celebration Yoga
8:30 AM – Sadhana | Walking into the Light
Theme: Living the Journey
Meditation • Kriya • Pranayama • Closing Teachings
10:30 AM – Vegetarian Breakfast
1:30 PM – Closing & Celebrating Circle
Who Is This For?
Whether you feel deeply connected to the Hindu tradition or are simply drawn to the healing power of the Sacred Feminine energy, this retreat welcomes anyone who feels called to reconnect with themselves and experience an authentic journey of healing.
It is especially for those who wish to:
✨ Deepen their relationship with the Divine Feminine and discover the transformative power of the sacred feminine.
✨ Restore harmony between the feminine and masculine energies within themselves, creating greater balance, confidence and inner peace.
✨ Heal emotional wounds, ancestral patterns and limiting beliefs attached to the feminine and masculine
✨ Experience the beauty and depth of India's sacred traditions within the living atmosphere of The City of New Light.
✨ Immerse themselves in daily pujas, meditation, mantra, sacred fire ceremonies, devotional music and spiritual teachings.
✨ Step away from the demands of everyday life and reconnect with nature, silence and conscious community.
✨ Open the heart, strengthen intuition and cultivate a deeper relationship with themselves and the Divine.
The Nine Divine Forms of Maa Durga
Each day of Navaratri is dedicated to one of the Navadurga, the Nine Sacred Manifestations of Maa Durga. Together they guide us through a profound journey of healing, awakening and transformation.
As we honour each Goddess through traditional pujas, mantra, meditation, contemplation and sacred practices, we are invited not only to learn about these divine qualities—but to embody them within ourselves.
Throughout these Nine Sacred Nights we journey through different aspects of the Divine Feminine, gently healing our relationship with the feminine within, restoring harmony between the feminine and masculine energies, and opening more deeply to our true nature.
DAY ONE | Maa Shailaputri Sunday, 11 October 2026
Ghatasthapana • Pratipada | Traditional Colour: Yellow | The Daughter of the Mountain | ✨Qualities: • Grounding • Stability • Purity • Trust • New Beginnings ✨ Maa Shailaputri, the first form of Maa Durga, embodies the strength and stillness of the Himalayas and our deep connection with Mother Earth. She reminds us that every transformation begins with strong foundations. As we journey with her, we root into the Earth, create safety within, set our intention, and reconnect with the quiet, unwavering strength of the Divine Feminine.
DAY TWO | Maa Brahmacharini | Monday, 12 October 2026
Dwitiya | Traditional Colour: Green | She Who Walks the Path of Truth | ✨Qualities • Devotion • Discipline • Wisdom • Inner Peace ✨ Maa Brahmacharini embodies devotion, patience and quiet inner strength, reminding us that true transformation begins within. As we journey with her, we turn inward, release the need to strive or control, and cultivate presence, intuition, receptivity and trust.
DAY THREE | Maa Chandraghanta | Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Tritiya | Traditional Colour: Grey | The Warrior of Compassion | ✨Qualities • Courage • Protection • Compassion • Confidence ✨ Maa Chandraghanta embodies fearless compassion, transforming fear into courage and separation into love. She reminds us that true strength comes from an open heart. As we journey with her, we soften our inner armour, allowing the feminine to express freely and the masculine to protect through love rather than control.
DAY FOUR | Maa Kushmanda | Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Chaturthi | Traditional Colour: Orange | The Cosmic Creatrix ✨Qualities • Creation • Joy • Vitality • Abundance ✨ Maa Kushmanda embodies the creative life-force, said to have brought the universe into being through her divine smile. She reminds us that all creation begins within. As we journey with her, we awaken our creativity, joy and inspiration, opening to new possibilities and the power to consciously create.
DAY FIVE | Maa Skandamata | Thursday, 15 October 2026
Panchami | Traditional Colour: White | The Divine Mother ✨Qualities • Compassion • Nurturing • Forgiveness • Unconditional Love ✨ Maa Skandamata embodies the unconditional love of the Divine Mother, reminding us that true strength includes tenderness and compassion. As we journey with her, we open our hearts to receive love, nourishment and support, healing the parts within that long to feel seen, held and deeply loved.
DAY SIX | Maa Katyayani | Friday, 16 October 2026
Shashti | Traditional Colour: Red | The Sacred Warrior ✨Qualities • Strength • Courage • Truth • Empowerment ✨ Maa Katyayani embodies courageous action rooted in love, teaching us to stand firmly in our truth without closing the heart. As we journey with her, we release self-doubt and reclaim our authentic power, allowing the feminine to express her truth while the masculine protects it with strength and love.
DAY SEVEN | Maa Kalaratri | Saturday, 17 October 2026
Saptami | Traditional Colour: Royal Blue | She Who Removes Darkness ✨Qualities • Transformation • Fearlessness • Liberation • Surrender✨ Maa Kalaratri embodies fearless transformation, dissolving all that separates us from truth, love and freedom. She reminds us that every ending creates space for a new beginning. As we journey with her, we face our shadows, release old patterns and identities, and surrender to the more authentic self waiting to emerge.
DAY EIGHT | Maa Mahagauri | Sunday, 18 October 2026
Durga Ashtami | Traditional Colour: Pink | The Radiance of Purity ✨Qualities • Purity • Peace • Grace • Healing✨ Maa Mahagauri embodies purification, forgiveness and inner peace, reminding us that after every storm comes clarity. As we journey with her, we embrace forgiveness and grace, integrating what has been healed and allowing the feminine to blossom in her natural purity.
DAY NINE | Maa Siddhidatri | Monday, 19 October 2026
Maha Navami | Traditional Colour: Purple | The Bestower of Divine Blessings ✨Qualities • Fulfilment • Wisdom • Integration • Divine Grace ✨ Maa Siddhidatri embodies spiritual fulfilment and wholeness, reminding us that our deepest gifts already exist within. As we journey with her, we integrate the gifts of all nine days, bringing the feminine and masculine into harmony and moving forward with an open heart, deeper trust and connection with the Divine.
DAY TEN Vijayadashami Tuesday, 20 October 2026
Dussehra
Traditional Colour: Gold
The Victory of Light
Vijayadashami celebrates the victory of Light over Darkness, Love over Fear, Truth over Illusion, and Dharma over Adharma—and the beginning of a new chapter.
We carry Maa Durga’s blessings forward, embodying courage, compassion and the harmonious union of the Divine Feminine and Masculine.
Jai Maa Durga • Jai Mata Di • Om Dum Durgayei Namaha
Contribution for Retreat
We ask for a DAKSHINA for this sacred retreat.
*NOTE: the Dakshina is only in exchange for the 1-3+ spiritual practices offered daily by Shivananda Swamiji. If you would like to stay (room and board) at the City of New Light | Monte Sacro, please contact us for details.
Dakshina is the act of giving from a place of inner recognition.
Traditionally, Dakshina is offered to a teacher, a guide, or a sacred space—not to "repay" them, because what is given in wisdom cannot be priced—but to honor the exchange and keep the flow of energy alive.
It is what arises when something within you has been touched—when knowledge, guidance, presence, or truth has shifted you in a real way. Rather than payment, it is a chosen offering from the heart. A quiet acknowledgment that says: I have received, and I choose to give in return—not out of obligation, but fullness.
Dakshina is reciprocity without measure.
It is gratitude made tangible.
It is giving that reflects not the value of the service, but the sincerity of the heart.
It also asks something deeper of the giver—presence, honesty, and self-responsibility.
Not "What is expected?" but "What feels true to give?"
In this way, Dakshina becomes a practice in itself.
A mirror of one's relationship to abundance, worth, and receiving.
And when offered with awareness, it nourishes both directions—
the one who gives, and the one who holds space.
The Master + Teacher...
Shivananda Swamiji
Swamiji’s mission is to create a supportive space for transformation. Whether through retreats, meditations, ceremonies, or personal guidance, his work fosters healing and connection. For Swamiji, community is at the heart of spirituality.