Navratri 2025 Date, Time: On the occasion of Chaitra Navratri, devotees across India prepare for nine days of devotion and celebration. Also known as Vasant Navratri, this festival is marked by vibrant rituals and fasting that bring communities together. Chaitra Navratri embodies the essence of faith and devotion, as Hindus worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga during these sacred days. According to the Drik Panchang, the festival begins on March 30 this year and culminates on April 7 with the traditional Kanya Pujan.
Day 1 of Chaitra Navratri: Worshipping Maa Shailputri
The first day of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Maa Durga. Her worship marks the commencement of the Navratri fast and sets the spiritual tone for the coming days. Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the mighty Himalayas, is a reincarnation of Goddess Sati. Her name derives from the Sanskrit word ‘Shail’, meaning mountain, signifying her origin as the daughter of King Himavat and Queen Maina.
In this divine form, she is depicted riding a bull, holding a trident and a lotus in her hands, symbolising strength and serenity.
Devotees worship Maa Shailputri to seek purity, stability and the strength to embark on a spiritual journey. She is also considered the embodiment of Mother Nature and possesses the combined divine powers of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Shubh Muhurat for Day 1 Puja
Performing rituals at the right time enhances their significance. The most auspicious muhurat for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) on Navratri Day 1 is from 6:13 AM to 10:22 AM, with the Abhijit Muhurat between 12:01 PM and 12:50 PM. The Pratipada Tithi begins at 4:27 PM on March 29 and ends at 12:49 AM on March 30.
Significance of the colour of the day
The designated colour for the first day of Navratri is orange. This vibrant hue represents enthusiasm, warmth and positivity, uplifting the spirit of devotees as they embark on this sacred journey. Wearing orange on this day enhances one’s devotion and helps in attracting Maa Shailputri’s blessings.
Puja Vidhi: Step-by-step rituals
- Wake up early, take a bath and wear fresh clothes in the colour of the day
- Clean the prayer space and decorate it with flowers
- Fill a Kalash with water, supari (betel nut), coins and doob (grass). Place five mango leaves on top and cover it with a coconut
- On a raised platform covered with a red cloth, place an idol or image of Maa Shailputri
- Begin the puja by offering prayers to Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles
- Present fresh jasmine flowers, dhoop, agarbatti, kumkum and chandan to the goddess
- Light a ghee diya and place it beside the Kalash
- Recite Maa Shailputri’s mantra and perform an aarti
- Distribute prasad (bhog) among family members and devotees
