Navratri (Shardiya Navratri) 2025

When is Navratri 2025 Celebrated?

This culture is deeply rooted in an understanding of the human system's connection to the Earth, the Moon, the Sun, and various aspects of the Divine. This connection is also reflected in the timing and manner of our festival celebrations.

Navratri, meaning 'nine nights', begins the day after the new moon (Amavasya). The first nine days of the lunar cycle are considered feminine, representing Devi, the feminine aspect of the Divine. The ninth day, known as Navami, marks the end of this phase. The one-and-a-half days around the full moon are neutral, while the remaining eighteen days are masculine in nature. Traditionally, all worship up to Navami is dedicated to Devi during this feminine phase.

There are twelve such nine-day periods each year, each focusing on a different aspect of the feminine Divine, or Devi. The Navratri that occurs in October is the most significant, as it is dedicated to Sharada, the goddess of learning. This tradition places the highest value on learning, a unique ability that distinguishes humans from other creatures. While other beings may be faster or stronger, they cannot learn as humans do. The true pride of being human lies in the capacity to learn anything, provided one is willing to do so.

Key Navratri Dates for 2025

1. Ghatasthapana on Monday, 22 September 2025

1. Durgashtami on Tuesday, 30 September 2025

1. Maha Navami on Wednesday, 01 October 2025

Religious Significance of Navratri

According to mythology, various tales explain the origins of Navratri. One story tells of Mahishasur, the King of Demons, who waged war against the gods in heaven. In response, all the gods, including the trinity of Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, combined their divine powers to create Goddess Durga, the embodiment of power and 'Shakti'. After nine nights of intense battle, Durga defeated Mahishasur. The tenth day, marking her victory is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

Another tale involves Lord Rama, who was preparing to battle Ravana to rescue Sita from captivity in Lanka. Before the battle, Rama worshipped Goddess Durga, seeking her blessings. He needed 108 lotuses for the puja, and when he was about to offer one of his eyes to complete the count, Goddess Durga appeared and blessed him with her divine 'shakti'. Rama won the battle that day. Additionally, Uma, the daughter of Daksh, the king of the Himalayas, is believed to come home for ten days during Navratri. Married to Lord Shiva, this festival celebrates her return to earth.

Nine Navratri Days and Avatars of Goddess Durga

For nine nights, people celebrate Navratri with deep devotion and prayers. Each day is dedicated to one avatar of Goddess Durga, and devotees wear specific colours corresponding to each day.

Day 1: Shailaputri or Pratipada

1. Significance: Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped. 'Shaila' means mountain, and 'putri' means daughter. As the daughter of the Mountain God, Goddess Parvati is honoured on this day. 

Day 2: Brahmacharini or Dwitiya

1. Significance: Goddess Brahmacharini, a form of Durga who symbolises the reduction of anger, is worshipped.

Day 3: Chandraghanta or Tritiya

1. Significance: Devotees worship Goddess Chandraghanta, who is believed to have a third eye and fight against evil demons. Jasmine flowers are offered during puja to please her. 

Day 4: Kushmanda or Chaturthi

1. Significance: Dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda, whose name means 'cosmic egg'. She is known for spreading energy and warmth to all.

Day 5: Skandamata or Panchami

1. Significance: Devoted to Goddess Skandamata, who rules over Budha (the Mercury planet). She is revered for her fierce yet loving nature.

Day 6: Katyayini or Shashti

1. Significance: On Shashti, Goddess Durga takes the form of Devi Katyayani to defeat the King of Demons. Women offer prayers for a peaceful married and family life.

Day 7: Kalaratri or Saptami

1. Significance: This day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, known for her fierce nature and her ability to terrify evil spirits throughout the universe. She is the most destructive avatar of Kali Devi and rules over Lord Shani (Saturn).

Day 8: Mahagauri or Ashtami

1. Significance: On this day, people worship Mahagauri, who is depicted wearing white clothes and riding a bull. Kanya Puja, a special event dedicated to young virgin girls, is celebrated. This day is also known as Mahashtami or Maha Durgashtami and is marked with dance, fun, and prayers.

Day 9: Siddhidaatri or Navami

1. Significance: Devoted to Devi Siddhidaatri, who is believed to have the power to fulfil all wishes. The ninth day is dedicated to her.

Day 10: Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra)

1. Significance: After nine days of prayers, the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashmi, a time to begin new endeavours. It is also called Vidyarambham, marking the introduction of children to the world of education. Sindhoor Khela is an important part of the rituals on this day.

Rituals During Navratri

During the nine nights of Navratri, Goddess Durga is worshipped in three distinct forms:

1. First Three Days: She is worshipped as 'Shakti,' the deity of power.

1. Next Three Days: She is revered as Lakshmi, the deity of wealth.

1. Last Three Days: She is honoured as Saraswati, the deity of knowledge and wisdom.

Devotees often observe fasts, abstaining from grains, onions, meat, and alcohol. Special Navratri meals are prepared in North India to accommodate those who are fasting. In Eastern India, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, the most significant festival of the year. Large pandals are set up and illuminated with lights, and various cultural activities take place during this time.

In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the Navratri dance is known as Garba and Dandiya, where locals dance in traditional attire with dandiya sticks in hand. In Goa, special jatras begin during Navratri, and Saraswat Brahmin temples are adorned for the festival. Devotees worship the Dasha Maitrikas with sandalwood paste, kumkum, and new clothes and ornaments. In Kerala, on the ninth day, Ayudha Puja is performed to bless all the tools in the house.

Colours of Navratri 2025

Day 1 - Yellow

Significance: Wearing yellow brings happiness and positivity into one's life. This colour signifies warmth and joy, helping you feel calm and cheerful throughout the day and the year.

Day 2 - Green

Significance: Green symbolises fertility, positive growth, calmness, and peace. Wearing green on this day signifies new auspicious beginnings and brings serenity into your life.

Day 3 - Grey

Significance: Grey represents a balance of mind and emotions. As an earthy colour, it signifies humility and a down-to-earth lifestyle. Wearing grey on this day stands for change and transformation for the better.

Day 4 - Orange

Significance: Orange is a vibrant colour that brings happiness, creativity, and positive energy. Wearing orange helps you approach problems with a calm mind and no negative feelings.

Day 5 - White

Significance: White symbolises peace and harmony. Wearing white on this day brings feelings of security, happiness, and purity of thought.

Day 6 - Red

Significance: Red is a powerful colour that signifies love, passion, and bravery. Wearing red helps devotees be blessed with vitality, loyalty, and beauty for the year.

Day 7 - Royal Blue

Significance: Royal blue signifies elegance and royalty. Wearing royal blue brings charisma and a passion to excel in whatever you aim for in life.

Day 8 - Pink

Significance: Pink represents affection, harmony, and goodness. Wearing pink invokes love towards humanity and charm, making you loved by all.

Day 9 - Purple

Significance: Purple signifies peace and nobility. Wearing purple on this day brings prosperity and opulence, pleasing Durga Devi perfectly.

Day 10 - Peacock Green

Significance: Peacock green represents individuality and intelligence. Wearing this colour brings peace, uniqueness, and compassion towards others, benefiting from the qualities of both green and blue.

Important Rituals Observed Each Day of Navratri

Each day is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga. Common rituals include ghatsthapana, aarti, fasting, bhajans, and kanya pujan on the 8th or 9th day.

Navratri 2025: Do’s and Don’ts for Devotees

Do’s: Stay hygienic, follow rituals sincerely, respect traditions.

Don’ts: Avoid alcohol, non-veg, loud behavior, and disrespectful clothing in temples.

Top Places to Celebrate Navratri in India

Top destinations include Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Delhi, known for grand Garba nights and religious processions.

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