When is Navratri 2025: Dates, Time, Rituals, Significance & Puja Vidhi
Navratri, literally “nine nights,” is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism aimed at worshipping the Divine Mother in her nine forms. In 2025, Navratri comes at two major times of the year — Chaitra Navratri in spring, and Sharad (or Shardiya) Navratri in autumn. This article gives you all you need to know: when each begins and ends, auspicious timings, rituals day by day, why and how it is celebrated, regional customs, fasting practices, mantras, and the deeper spiritual meaning.
What’s Inside
- Meaning: The word Navratri comes from Sanskrit: nava meaning “nine” and ratri meaning “nights.” It implies a festival or period of nine nights of worship to the nine manifestations (avatars) of the Goddess Durga (also called Shakti).
- Why It’s Celebrated: Primarily to celebrate the victory of good over evil, especially the mythological battle in which Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura after nine nights of battle. Also, it is a time for spiritual purification, renewal, devotion, introspection, and sometimes family and social gatherings, cultural performances, dance, etc.
- When It Occurs: There are generally four Navratris in a year according to the Hindu calendar — but the two most widely observed are Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Sharad / Shardiya Navratri (autumn). There are also “Gupt Navratris” which are more esoteric in nature.
- Dates: Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on Sunday, 30 March 2025 and ends on Monday, 7 April 2025.
- Ram Navami (which is also significant during this period) falls on 6 April 2025.
- Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) Muhurat:
- Start: about 06:13 AM IST on 30 March
- End: about 10:22 AM IST
- Also an Abhijit Muhurat (midday auspicious period) between 12:01 PM and 12:50 PM on the same day.
- Dates: Sharad Navratri 2025 begins on Monday, 22 September 2025 and ends on Wednesday, 1 October 2025, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) being observed on Thursday, 2 October 2025.
- Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana Muhurat on first day (22 Sept):
- Morning Slot: ~ 6:09 AM to 8:06 AM IST
- Abhijeet Muhurat: ~ 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM IST
Day‐Wise Guide: Forms of the Goddess, Rituals & Puja Vidhi
Each day of Navratri (both Chaitra and Sharad) is dedicated to one of the nine forms (Navadurga) of Goddess Durga. Rituals, colours, offerings and mantras vary day by day. Below is a typical day-by-day pattern, especially for Sharad 2025:
| Day | Date (Sharad 2025) | Goddess / Form | Key Rituals & Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Pratipada | 22 Sept 2025 | Maa Shailaputri | Begin with Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana. Invocation of Goddess Shailputri, who represents the pure, primal energy and mountain (Shail) energy. Puja with flowers, incense, offerings, daily aarti. Fasting starts from this day. |
| Day 2 – Dwitiya | 23 Sept | Maa Brahmacharini | Symbol of penance, austerity, devotion. Devotees may observe stricter fasting. Offerings include fruits, milk. Chant her mantras. |
| Day 3 – Tritiya | 24 Sept | Maa Chandraghanta | Courage, strength, dispelling fear. Use of fragrant offerings, perhaps bells (ghanta) in puja. |
| Day 4 – Chaturthi | 25/26 Sept | Maa Kushmanda | Creative power, life’s origin. Sometimes special foods, e.g. pumpkin or other auspicious items. (Note: some calendars shift Chaturthi, depending on tithi alignment; in 2025 there may be some adjustment) |
| Day 5 – Panchami | 27 Sept | Maa Skandamata | Mother of Skanda (Karttikeya). Offerings of children’s favourite sweets, maternal symbolism. |
| Day 6 – Shashthi / Maha Shashthi | 28 Sept | Maa Katyayani | Often devotees perform special prayers, perhaps for marital harmony, strength, etc. In many regions special community pujas begin. |
| Day 7 – Saptami / Maha Saptami | 29 Sept | Maa Kalaratri | Fierce form; dispels darkness and ignorance. Rituals may include recitations of Durga Saptashati, overnight vigil (jagarans) in some places. |
| Day 8 – Ashtami / Maha Ashtami | 30 Sept | Maa Mahagauri | Purity, tranquility. One of the most important days; often Kanya Puja (worshipping young girls) is performed. Puja may be more elaborate; many perform special fasts. |
| Day 9 – Navami / Mahanavami | 1 Oct | Maa Siddhidatri | The giver of supernatural powers (siddhis), blessings of fulfillment, spiritual attainment. On this day, many complete the major pujas, prepare for Vijayadashami. |
| Day 10 – Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra | 2 Oct | Victory Day | Not one of the Navadurga forms per se, but the tenth day marks the triumph of good over evil—celebration, immersion of idols (Visarjan), burning of Ravan in many parts of India, processions, etc. |
For Chaitra Navratri 2025, the same sequence of forms is followed, beginning with Shailaputri on 30 March and ending with Siddhidatri on 7 April.
Rituals, Practices & Traditions
Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana
- What it is: On the first day (Pratipada), devotees invoke Goddess Durga by installing a Kalash (a pot), often filled with water, leaves (mango leaves), and a coconut placed on top. This becomes the focal point of worship. The term Ghatasthapana means establishing the pot (ghata = pot, sthapana = establishment).
- Why it’s done: It symbolizes the presence of the Goddess in one’s home, and it acts as a seed or core around which the devotional energy builds through the nine days. Purity, discipline, and intention while doing it are considered very important.
Fasting (Vrat)
- Many devotees fast during all nine days, or at least on major days (like first day, Ashtami, Navami).
- The nature of fasting varies: some may take only fruits & milk; others may include vrat-friendly flours (buckwheat, water chestnut etc.), avoid onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food etc.
- Fasting also involves maintaining clean thought, control of senses, prayer, avoiding negative speech.
Daily Puja & Offerings
- Each day, after morning prayers, the Goddess form of that day is worshipped with mantras, flowers, incense, light (deepa), and offerings (bhog). Offerings typically include sweets, fruits, sometimes special items liked by that particular form.
- Colours: Some regions observe specific colour dress codes for each day matching the form of the Goddess.
- Recitation of scriptures such as Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmya is common.
Special Rituals: Kanya Puja, Sandhi Puja, Ayudha Puja etc.
- Kanya Puja / Kanya Kumari Puja: On the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, young girls representing the nine forms are worshipped. Feet washing, offerings, food, new clothes etc.
- Ayudha Puja: Worshipping tools, books, weapons, instruments—anything one uses in one’s profession—on Navami day. Especially in South India and western India.
- Visarjan / Immersion / Processions: On Vijaya Dashami (the 10th day), idols of the Goddess are carried in processions and immersed in rivers, lakes, or natural water bodies (in some traditions). The burning of Ravan effigies in North India is also linked to this day.
Mantras, Japa, Chanting
- Devotees chant specific mantras of Durga, e.g. “Om Dum Durgayei Namaha,” “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu,” etc. Recitation of Durga Saptashati / Chandi Path / Devi Mahatmya is common.
- Some observe jagarans (night-long devotional singing) especially on Kalaratri day or Ashtami.
Observances of Purity & Discipline
- Keeping home clean, wearing clean clothes, avoiding non-vegetarian food, alcohol, etc.
- Observing celibacy or at least controlling senses in some traditions.
- Mental purity: avoiding arguments, greed, envy etc.
Significance, Symbolism & Spiritual Meanings
- Victory of Good over Evil: The central myth—Goddess Durga’s battle with Mahishasura—is symbolic of the inner battles within each person: against ego, ignorance, arrogance, anger. Navratri is a time to awaken the strength (Shakti) to overcome those.
- Divine Feminine Energy: Celebrates Shakti, the feminine creative and protective principle, as essential, powerful, nurturing. Reinforces respect for feminine power.
- Renewal and New Beginnings: Beginnings of seasons (spring for Chaitra, post-monsoon / autumn for Sharad) are times of transition. It’s believed auspicious to begin new ventures, introspection, spiritual growth. Chaitra Navratri is particularly associated with the start of the Hindu New Year (in some calendars) and springtime renewal.
- Cultural unity and diversity: Although the core myth is shared, the ways of celebration vary across India (dance, music, art, processions, fairs, communal pujas) demonstrating the richness of Hindu culture.
Regional Variations & Special Customs
Navratri is celebrated differently across India; customs, rituals, and emphasis differ by region.
| Region | Special Practices / Variations |
|---|---|
| North India | Dandiya/Garba are less prominent compared to West India; focus more on fasting, puja at home, temple visits, Ramlila, burning of Ravan, grand processions in some places. |
| West India (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra) | Garba & Dandiya nights, large community dancing; special art / lights; women often dress colourfully; decorative pandals; huge community participation; Gujarat very famous for its nine nights of dance and festivities. |
| East India (West Bengal, Assam, Odisha) | Durga Puja is the central event; elaborately decorated pandals, artworks, idol installations; cultural performances; immersion (Visarjan) of Durga statue; community feasting; rituals like Kumari Puja, Dhunuchi dance etc. |
| South India | Ayudha Puja is more emphasised (especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra/Telangana); tools / vehicles / instruments are worshipped; house decorations with kolam, traditional recitals and bhajans. |
| Other regional customs: For example, in Maharashtra, Chaitra Navratri coincides with Gudi Padwa (New Year), in parts of South India with Ugadi. Fasting rules, food offerings differ: some regions use specific local produce, local sweets etc. |
Given that many people want to plan in advance, these are the special points for Sharad Navratri 2025:
- Start: 22 September 2025 (Ghatasthapana) in the morning.
- End: 1 October 2025; Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra on 2 October 2025.
- Ghatasthapana Muhurat: Morning ~6:09 AM-8:06 AM, plus an Abhijit Muhurat around 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM. It is considered auspicious to perform Kalash Sthapana during those windows.
- Unique Points in 2025:
- Durga Puja in the East (West Bengal, Assam etc.) will be observed from 28 September to 2 October (on Mahasashthi to Vijayadashami) as part of Sharad Navratri.
- This year (2025), Navratri will be observed for 10 days in some regions because of tithi alignment (extra tithi / shift). However the core nine nights are observed. The 10th day being the Vijayadashami.
Fasting & Dietary Guidelines
Fasting during Navratri is an important spiritual discipline. Here are common patterns:
- Types of fasts:
- Complete fast: Only water or very minimal intake.
- Partial fast / Upavasa: Fruit, milk, vrat-specific food allowed.
- Restricted diet: Certain foods like grains, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian items avoided. Some eat only satvik food (pure foods).
- Foods commonly used:
- Fruits, milk, ghee, nuts, vrat-friendly flours (buckwheat (kuttu), water chestnut (singhara), amaranth etc.) depending on region.
- Sweets made without grains; sometimes using special flours.
- When to break or lessen fast: On important days (Ashtami, Navami) some may observe more stringent fasts; others might observe them only on first and last days or just on important days. It depends on personal capacity, health, family tradition.
- Precautions: People with medical conditions (pregnancy, chronic illness) should consult and adjust rituals; hydration; avoid overexertion.
Mantras, Hymns, Devotional Elements
- Durga Saptashati / Devi Mahatmya / Chandi Path: Central textual recitations in many households and temples.
- Common Mantras:
- Om Dum Durgayei Namaha
- Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu
- Sarva Mangala Mangalye Shive Sarvartha Sadhike etc.
- Bhajans, Kirtans, Aarti: Daily aarti (morning and evening), devotional singing, temple bells, incense.
- Meditation, Japa, Prayer: Many devotees use the nine days to increase their spiritual practice: more time in meditation, repeating the divine name, or connecting with the inner self.
- Durga Ashtami (eighth day): Very important; many rituals such as Sandhi Puja (a special puja at the juncture of Ashtami‐Navami), Kanya Puja. In East India (especially Bengal), Mahashtami is a major head-liner with cultural events, reenactments, special offerings.
- Navami: Final major worship; many do Ayudha Puja; prepare for the closure (Visarjan etc.).
- Vijayadashami / Dussehra (tenth day): Signifies victory (Vijaya) of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, or Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana (depending on local tradition). It’s a day of celebration, immersion, processions, burning effigies (in North India), or giving farewell to Goddess idols.
Cultural & Social Aspects
- Garba & Dandiya: Particularly in Gujarat and parts of Western/Western-Central India, these folk dances are performed in the evenings. Devotees dress in traditional colourful attire, dance in circles etc.
- Pandal hops / Temple visiting: In places like West Bengal, large decorated temporary structures (pandals) are built for the Goddess; people visit, view art, socialise, feast.
- Fairs, markets: Before Navratri and during, fairs, stalls selling puja items, clothing, sweets, lights etc. reflect festive economic activity.
- Art & Craft: Idol making, decorations, lighting, rangoli / kolam etc.
- Plan in advance: Note the dates and muhurats in your city (timings can differ slightly by place).
- Ghatasthapana preparation: Clean the space, assemble the Kalash, ensure water, leaves, etc. are ready.
- Set daily schedule: Morning prayers, midday rest, evening puja / aarti. Allocate time for recitations / meditation.
- Food planning: If fasting, stock vrat-friendly foods; plan meals so that fasting doesn’t adversely affect health.
- Dress & decor: Decide on colours / themes; decorate home or altar; keep puja items ready.
- Mantra / reading materials: Books of Durga Saptashati, mantras, etc. For those who may attend temple, check timings.
- Community / family participation: Navratri is also social; joining in pujas, processions etc., can enrich experience.
FAQs
Yes, by tradition it is nine nights and ten days (counting Vijayadashami), but sometimes due to lunar calendar alignment, extra tithis or overlap may cause slight changes in markings or extended observance. In 2025 some sources report that Navratri will be observed as ten days in certain contexts because of tithi alignment.
Chaitra Navratri falls in spring (March-April), Sharad in autumn (September-October). Culturally, Sharad is more widely celebrated in many parts of India. Chaitra is associated with new beginnings and the arrival of spring.
Yes. Apart from Chaitra and Sharad, there are Gupt Navratris (lesser known / less widely observed, often more esoteric / personal).
Do dates vary by region?
The broad dates (as per pan-Indian panchangs) are standard, but the muhurats, tithi boundaries, local customs, sometimes observance of certain puja days or time of immersion may vary by region or even by temple.
Navratri is especially important for devotees of Shaktism (worship of Goddess), many Hindus seeking spiritual purification or seeking the blessings of Durga for strength, prosperity and protection. Also for people whose family tradition emphasises Devi worship, or who want to deepen their devotional practice.
Conclusion
Navratri 2025 offers two powerful moments of devotion:
- Chaitra Navratri: 30 March – 7 April
- Sharad Navratri: 22 September – 2 October (Vijayadashami)
These are times not only for ritual and tradition but also for inner renewal, spiritual awakening, and celebrating the divine feminine. With proper observance of rituals, fasting, puja vidhi, and with devotion, one can enjoy both the external beauty of the festival and the internal growth it offers.
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