Navratri 2025: Navratri, one of the most important festivals celebrated in India, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms (Navadurga). This festival falls in the month of Ashwin (September-October) and symbolizes the victory of good over evil, culminating with Vijayadashami (Dussehra).
It is a nine-day period of intense devotion, fasting, and spiritual purification. This year, Sharadiya Navratri begins on September 22, 2025.
Special Features and Auspicious Time of Navratri 2025
This year, Sharadiya Navratri will last for 10 days, as the Chaturthi Tithi is increasing. According to the Hindu calendar, the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashwin will begin on September 22 at 1:23 pm and end on September 23 at 2:55 pm.
The increase in the Tithi is considered extremely auspicious, making the effects of Navratri even more beneficial. Kalash Sthapana will take place on September 22nd, and the idol of the goddess will be installed in Durga Puja pandals on Saptami Tithi, September 29th.
Rituals and Significance of the Nine Days
First Day – Pratipada (September 22nd): Shailputri Puja
- Ritual: Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) is performed on this day. A kalash filled with coconut, mango leaves, and water symbolizes auspiciousness.
- Significance: Shailputri is considered the goddess of nature and stability. Worshiping her bestows strength and courage for new beginnings.
Second Day – Dwitiya (September 23rd): Brahmacharini Puja
- Ritual: The goddess is worshipped with flowers, incense, and jaggery. Many devotees observe a fruit-only fast.
- Significance: Brahmacharini is the goddess of penance and wisdom. Worshiping her bestows restraint, patience, and knowledge.
Third Day – Tritiya (September 24th): Chandraghanta Puja
- Ritual: Milk, sweets, and red flowers are offered.
- Significance: Chandraghanta is a symbol of courage and peace. Worshipping her dispels fear and shows the path to peace.
Fourth Day – Chaturthi (September 26): Kushmanda Puja
- Ritual: Worship is performed with pumpkins, Malpuas, and a lit lamp.
- Significance: Kushmanda is the goddess of creation and energy. Her blessings bring prosperity and health.
Fifth Day – Panchami (September 27): Skandamata Puja
- Ritual: Bananas, incense, and yellow flowers are offered.
- Significance: Skandamata symbolizes motherhood and compassion. Worshiping her brings happiness and peace to the family.
Sixth Day – Shashthi (September 28): Katyayani Puja
- Ritual: Worship is performed with honey and flowers. Unmarried girls especially pray for marriage.
- Significance: Katyayani is the goddess of strength and courage. She removes obstacles.
Saptami – Saptami (September 29): Kaalratri Puja
- Ritual: Jaggery and sesame seeds are offered. Devotees stay awake all night worshipping the Goddess.
- Significance: Kaalratri destroys darkness and negative forces.
Eighth Day – Ashtami (September 30): Mahagauri Puja
- Ritual: Kanya Puja (Kumari Puja) is performed and food and gifts are given to girls.
- Significance: Mahagauri is the goddess of purity and forgiveness. Worshiping her brings peace and happiness in life.
Ninth Day – Navami (October 1): Siddhidatri Puja
- Ritual: Coconut, nuts, and fruits are offered.
- Significance: Siddhidatri is the goddess of accomplishments and knowledge. Her grace leads to spiritual progress.
Vijayadashami (October 2, 2025)
After Navratri, the festival of Vijayadashami is celebrated, symbolizing the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana. On this day, effigies of Ravana are burned. Navratri is not only a religious festival, but also a symbol of spiritual purification, respect for women’s power, and cultural unity.
Read More: Navratri 2025 – 9 Forms of Maa Durga and Their Importance
