Navratri translates to nine nights, it is a sacred Hindu festival that aims at celebrating the divine feminine energy by worshiping Maa Durga and her nine incarnations. Occurring during the autumn season, Shardiya Navratri is considered one of the most spiritually enriched periods of the year. During this pious festival of 9 nights, devotees across the country observe fasting, perform prayers for Maa Durga puja, and indulge in vibrant cultural festivities such as Garba and Dandiya Raas. This blog will offer you detailed insights on —Navratri 2025 start date, Navratri Shubh Muhurt, navratri devi name, rituals, and significance so that you can prepare for the grand festival accordingly without missing the basic and essential requisites.
Navratri 2025 Start Date and Duration
Navratri 2025 will start from Wednesday, September 22, 2025, and end on Thursday, October 2, 2025, while Vijayadashami or Dussehra will fall on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Navratri commences on Pratipada (first) of Shukla Paksha of the Ashwin month of the Hindu calendar, which denotes the beginning of Shardiya Navratri the most celebrated and popular of the four Navratris that are being observed throughout the year.
Navratri Shubh Muhurt 2025 (Auspicious Timings)
It is essential to choose the right Navratri Shubh Muhurt for conducting pujas and rituals to gain maximum benefits from it. The Ghatasthapana Muhurat or Kalash Sthapana during Navratri is especially important as it is aimed at the invocation of Goddess Durga at the beginning of Navratri.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Kalash Sthapana)
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Time: Between 06:28 AM and 07:59 AM (Local Sunrise Muhurt may vary by city)
Performing Ghatasthapana at the right Muhurat helps the devotees to invoke positive energies and paves the way for a blessed Navratri.
Importance of Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)
Kalash Sthapana is the ritual to invoke Maa Durga. A sacred pot is filled with holy water and covered with mango leaves and a coconut, left on a bed of earth where barley seeds are sown. This Kalash is kept within the puja space for the entire duration of the nine days, which signifies the presence and energy of the Goddess.
What is Shardiya Navratri?
Shardiya Navratri means the Navratri celebrated in the autumn season, where “Sharad” means autumn in Sanskrit. Among all other Navratris celebrated during the year, such as Chaitra Navratri, Magha Navratri, and Ashadha Navratri, Shardiya Navratri is the most important and widely celebrated.
During Shardiya Navratri, devotees observe fasts, perform prayers to the nine avatars of Durga, and indulge in religious rituals. People believe that during these nine days, Goddess Durga comes down to the Earth and blesses her devotees with power, intellect, and prosperity.
Navratri Days & their association with each Devi
Every day in Navratri is devoted to one of the nine incarnations of Maa Durga known as Navadurga. Below is a brief about each incarnation that is worshipped in Navratri
Day 1 – Shailaputri
This avatar of Maa symbolizes purity and strength. She is portrayed as riding a bull and carrying a trident and a lotus.
Day 2 – Brahmacharini
Embodying devotion and wisdom, in this avatar, the Goddess can be seen holding a rosary and a kamandalu.
Day 3 – Chandraghanta
Adorning a crescent moon while riding on a tiger, this avatar of the Goddess is known for her bravery.
Day 4 – Kushmanda
This form of Maa is shown as the creator of the universe, which is depicted with eight arms.
Day 5 – Skandamata
In this form, Maa is seen as the mother of Lord Kartikeya. She blesses devotees with knowledge and moksha.
Day 6 – Katyayani
This avatar of the Goddess is fierce and powerful, here she is portrayed as the warrior Goddess.
Day 7 – Kalaratri
Bold and fearless, in this avatar, Maa destroys all negative and evil energies.
Day 8 – Mahagauri
This form is usually known for the Goddess’s calm and forgiving nature. She blesses devotees with peace.
Day 9 – Siddhidatri
In this avatar, the Goddess is seen granting wisdom and spiritual knowledge to her devotees. Siddhidatri Maa is worshipped on the final day of Navratri.
The followers of Goddess, chant special mantras, conduct Navratri Maa Durga Puja, and offer unique bhog each day according to the specific day on which the Goddess is being worshipped.
Navratri Celebrations Across India
Devotees across the country celebrate Navratri with full zest, devotion & fervor, but the celebrations differ across various regions. Let us know about the unique ways in which Navratri is celebrated.
West India (Gujarat and Maharashtra)
The state of Gujarat is popular for its Garba and Dandiya Raas – traditional folk dances performed by people every night during Navratri. The players wear vibrant traditional attire known as chaniya choli and kediya and dance to devotional garba songs and music.
North India (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab)
The northern states of the country are known for hosting Ramlila plays, a dramatic showcasing of the epic tale of Ramayana. Temples here are beautifully decorated, and Durga Saptashati Path is chanted to invoke Maa Durga.
East India (West Bengal, Assam)
In the eastern states, Durga Puja takes the prime highlight. Majestic pandals are created where idols of Maa Durga are placed with beautiful decorations based on unique themes, along with cultural programs, dance, music, and feasting.
South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh)
Golu (Bommai Kolu) showcases dolls and figurines placed on steps. Women exchange gifts and participate in Haldi Kumkum rituals.
Fasting and Rituals
Fasting is a crucial part of Navratri. Devotees observe strict or moderate fasts according to their family and personal habits. The following are foods taken & avoided during the fast:
Foods allowed: Fruits, milk, vrat rice, potatoes, sabudana, and rock salt.
Foods to be avoided: Regular salt, grains, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
A specific bhog is offered on each day of the fast as per the Goddess being worshipped. Festive rituals include morning and evening aartis, reading Durga Chalisa, Devi Kavach, and Devi Mahatmya.
Navratri Decor and Preparation Tips
Building a spiritually vibrant and lovely setting enhances the experience of Navratri. The following tips can be used while decorating your place for the festival:
- Decorate your puja space with flowers, rangoli, and diyas.
- Prepare bhog in pure ghee and serve in copper or silver vessels if possible.
- Wear the color of the day for Navratri – everyday has a predetermined color that brings good fortune.
Navratri celebrations in the Digital Era
For those who can’t visit temples or go to religious places across the country can leverage the use of technology and enjoy the celebrations in the following ways:
- Download apps and watch live Navratri puja from major temples of the country online.
- Use online platforms for Durga Aarti lyrics, bhajans, and even follow virtual Kalash Sthapana guides.
- One can also order puja samagri online and attend virtual satsangs.
- Carry out online puja-vidhi by hiring pandits online.
The above practices make it easier for working professionals and those people living abroad to stay connected and dwell in the festive spirit.
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Spiritual Importance
Navratri is not only about rituals. It represents one’s inner battle between good and evil. The nine nights are considered a journey within, overcoming tamas (inertia), rajas (activity), and ultimately achieving sattva (purity).
It’s a time to slow down, introspect, meditate, and tune into divine feminine energy.
How Pandits Near Me Can Help You Celebrate Navratri 2025
As people increasingly seek convenience and authenticity in religious rituals, Pandits Near Me – a reputable online platform for Hindu ceremonies – makes it more convenient than ever before to conduct Navratri pujas with proper Vedic practices. Whether booking a qualified pandit for Navratri Maa Durga Puja, conducting Ghatasthapana, or daily aartis and homas throughout the festival, Pandits Near Me provides personalized support and local pandits familiar with customs.
You can book rituals according to your Navratri Shubh Muhurt, get a puja samagri list specially curated for you, and even take advantage of online puja services in case you’re residing abroad or at a distance from temples.
Conclusion
Navratri is thus a vibrant celebration enabling one to focus on the inner self and be uplifted by the divine guidance of Maa Durga. From knowing the Navratri start date and Navratri Shubh Muhurt, to understanding the deeper significance of Navratri Maa Durga Puja, this guide ensures you’re fully prepared to indulge in the festival’s divine energy.
So, be prepared for Navratri 2025, along with essential requisites, and get ready to welcome the Goddess with joy and gratitude.
Shubh Navratri!