Navratri 2025 Date, Time: One of the most spiritually significant festivals celebrated in India, Chaitra Navratri marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and the festival of spring. Dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, this festival is observed with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country, particularly in North India. It falls in the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar.
What is the significance of Chaitra Navratri?
The term ‘Navratri’ literally translates to ‘nine nights’, during which devotees fast, perform rituals, chant mantras, and pray to different forms of Goddess Durga. Each day of the nine-day festival honours a specific manifestation of the goddess, symbolising various aspects of life – strength, wisdom, power, and prosperity.
Day 1: Maa Shailputri
Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini
Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta
Day 4: Maa Kushmanda
Day 5: Maa Skandamata
Day 6: Maa Katyayani
Day 7: Maa Kalaratri
Day 8: Maa Mahagauri
Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri
As the festival also marks the beginning of a new year, for many, it represents a time to cleanse the body and soul through fasting and devotion.
When is Chaitra Navratri 2025? Know date and time
Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on March 30 and ends on April 7. As each day stands for its own significance and rituals, here is a breakdown of nine days of Chaitra Navratri 2025:
Day 1 (March 30): Ghatasthapana, Chandra Darshan, and Shailputri Puja.
Day 2 (March 31): Brahmacharini Puja
Day 3 (April 1): Chandraghanta Puja
Day 4 (April 2): Kushmanda Puja
Day 5 (April 3): Skandamata Puja
Day 6 (April 4): Katyayani Puja
Day 7 (April 5): Kalaratri Puja
Day 8 (April 6): Mahagauri Puja and Kanya Pujan
Day 9 (April 7): Siddhidatri Puja and Ram Navami
Puja Vidhi and Rituals
Ghatasthapana: The holy festival begins with the ritual of Ghatasthapana, where a clay pot (kalash) is installed and worshipped.
Daily Offerings: Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, and special offerings, prayers, and bhajans are performed for the different forms of Maa Durga.
Colour Significance: Each day of these nine days is associated with a different colour, which is believed to bring positive energy and blessings.
Sandhi Puja: On the eighth day, or Ashtami, Sandhi Puja is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami Tithi.
Kanya Pujan: Many devotees observe Kanya Pujan, a ritual where young girls symbolise Goddess Durga and are worshipped and offered food.
Navratri Parana: The festival finally ends on Dashami, when devotees break their fasts and perform the Parana ritual.
