Navarathri, meaning 'Nine Nights,' is a vibrant and multifaceted festival celebrated throughout Kerala. Typically occurring in September or October, these nine days are dedicated to the special worship of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti/Devi. The final three days of Navarathri – Durgashtami, Mahanavami, and Vijayadashami – are particularly significant for the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom and learning. During this period, devotees place their books and work tools in the pooja (worship) rooms of homes and temples, a practice known as Ayudha Pooja (worship of vocational tools).

On Vijayadashami day, a unique tradition takes place in Kerala. Words symbolizing the name of God are written on the tongue of a child with a golden ring, and the child is made to write letters on a plate of rice with the help of elders. This practice, known as Vidyarambham, marks the introduction of children to the world of knowledge and letters. Ceremonies are held across the state, with prominent locations including Panachikkadu Saraswati Temple in Kottayam, Thunchan Parambu in Malappuram, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur, and Chottanikkara Devi Temple in Ernakulam.

Navarathri, celebrated in various ways across India, is marked by worship of the nine forms of Goddess Shakti/Devi. In Kerala, the last three days – Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami – are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Books are placed in pooja rooms on Ashtami day, and on Vijayadashami, they are ceremoniously taken out for reading after the worship of Saraswati. The day is also significant for initiating children into the world of letters through Vidyarambham. Thousands of children write their first letters in rice or sand spread on a platter, guided by elders.

Ayudha Pooja, the worship of implements, is another unique practice in Kerala. On Navami day, tools and instruments are worshipped alongside the images of goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati. Historically, Navarathri was one of the most famous annual festivals celebrated in the Travancore Maharaja's palace at Padmanabhapuram. Since 1015 (Malayalam era), the festival has been celebrated in Thiruvananthapuram alone. The festival begins with the procession of the idols of Goddess Saraswati from the Padmanabhapuram palace, Velayudha Perumal from Veli Malai Kumarakovil, and Munnuttinanka from Suchindrum.

The procession reaches Karamana, a suburb of Thiruvananthapuram, where it achieves greater grandeur. It enters the fort through the east gate, where the head of the Travancore royal family offers worship to the idol. The idol of Saraswati is taken inside the Kuthiramalika palace, Velayudha Perumal to the Aryasala temple, and Munnuttinanka to the Chenthitta temple.

Navarathri also commemorates the legend of Goddess Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura. Blessed with immortality by Lord Brahma, Mahishasura could only be defeated by a woman. Over time, he became a powerful force, attacking people on Earth. Finally, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva created Goddess Durga, equipping her with weapons to destroy Mahishasura. After a fierce battle lasting ten days, Durga defeated Mahishasura when he transformed into a buffalo, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.