Maa Vaishno Devi Cave

The longest Hindu festival that continues for nine consecutive nights following the day of the new moon in Ashwin, in praise of Lord Rama. Continuous chanting from the Ramayana, along with evening performances from the episodes of His life, is held for all nine days. The last four are associated also with the worship of Goddess Durga (Durga Puja), the female principle of energy of the universe, to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Rama is said to have worshipped the Goddess, seeking Her blessings in order to overpower the evil force of Ravana, the abductor of His beloved wife Sita.