Navratri, one of the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, known as the Navadurga. Celebrated twice a year—Chaitra Navratri (March-April) and Sharad Navratri (September-October)—the festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. In 2025, Chaitra Navratri begins on March 30 and ends on April 7, while Sharad Navratri will be observed from September 22 to September 30.
During this nine-day festival, devotees engage in fasting, prayers, and rituals to seek the divine blessings of Goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to one of her forms, with specific pooja rituals, colors, and offerings. This article explores the Navratri pooja vidhi (worship procedure), timings, rituals, and their significance.
Navratri 2025 Dates and Tithi Timings
Chaitra Navratri 2025 Dates
- Day 1: March 30, 2025 (Sunday) – Pratipada Tithi
- Day 2: March 31, 2025 (Monday) – Dwitiya Tithi
- Day 3: April 1, 2025 (Tuesday) – Tritiya Tithi
- Day 4: April 2, 2025 (Wednesday) – Chaturthi Tithi
- Day 5: April 3, 2025 (Thursday) – Panchami Tithi
- Day 6: April 4, 2025 (Friday) – Shashti Tithi
- Day 7: April 5, 2025 (Saturday) – Saptami Tithi
- Day 8: April 6, 2025 (Sunday) – Ashtami Tithi (Durga Ashtami)
- Day 9: April 7, 2025 (Monday) – Navami Tithi (Ram Navami)
Sharad Navratri 2025 Dates
- Day 1: September 22, 2025 (Monday) – Pratipada Tithi
- Day 2: September 23, 2025 (Tuesday) – Dwitiya Tithi
- Day 3: September 24, 2025 (Wednesday) – Tritiya Tithi
- Day 4: September 25, 2025 (Thursday) – Chaturthi Tithi
- Day 5: September 26, 2025 (Friday) – Panchami Tithi
- Day 6: September 27, 2025 (Saturday) – Shashti Tithi
- Day 7: September 28, 2025 (Sunday) – Saptami Tithi
- Day 8: September 29, 2025 (Monday) – Ashtami Tithi (Durga Ashtami)
- Day 9: September 30, 2025 (Tuesday) – Navami Tithi (Maha Navami)
Pooja Timings (Muhurat)
For Chaitra Navratri 2025, the Ghatasthapana Muhurat (the most auspicious time to invoke Goddess Durga) is:
- March 30, 2025 – 06:10 AM to 08:30 AM (IST)
For Sharad Navratri 2025, the Ghatasthapana Muhurat is:
- September 22, 2025 – 06:15 AM to 08:35 AM (IST)
Navratri Pooja Vidhi (Worship Procedure)
Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
Ghatasthapana is the main ritual marking the beginning of Navratri. It symbolizes the invocation of Goddess Durga into the Kalash (sacred pot).
Steps for Ghatasthapana:
- Preparation:
- Clean the pooja space thoroughly.
- Place a wooden platform (chauki) and cover it with a red or yellow cloth.
- Kalash Preparation:
- Fill a Kalash (earthen or brass pot) with water, coins, betel nut, and Akshat (rice grains).
- Tie a sacred red thread (kalava) around the neck of the Kalash.
- Place mango leaves on the mouth of the Kalash.
- Goddess Idol or Picture:
- Install an idol or image of Goddess Durga beside the Kalash.
- Decorate the idol with flowers, garlands, and jewelry.
- Sowing Barley (Jowar):
- Spread clean mud or soil in a small pot.
- Sprinkle barley seeds and water them daily.
- These seeds symbolize prosperity and growth.
Daily Pooja Vidhi
Step-by-Step Rituals:
- Morning Pooja:
- Wake up early and take a bath.
- Light a ghee lamp (diya) and offer incense, flowers, and kumkum to the Goddess.
- Recite the Durga Chalisa, Durga Saptashati, or Devi Stotra.
- Offer bhog (prasad) such as fruits, sweets, or kheer.
- Evening Aarti:
- Perform aarti with camphor and sing bhajans.
- Offer cloves, cardamom, and sugar candy during the aarti.
- Seek the Goddess’s blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Significance of Each Day and the Nine Goddesses
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga.
Navdurga and Associated Rituals:
- Day 1: Goddess Shailputri – Symbol of strength and purity. Offer ghee.
- Day 2: Goddess Brahmacharini – Symbol of penance. Offer sugar.
- Day 3: Goddess Chandraghanta – Symbol of bravery. Offer milk-based sweets.
- Day 4: Goddess Kushmanda – Symbol of creation. Offer malpua.
- Day 5: Goddess Skandamata – Symbol of motherly love. Offer banana.
- Day 6: Goddess Katyayani – Symbol of courage. Offer honey.
- Day 7: Goddess Kalaratri – Symbol of protection. Offer jaggery.
- Day 8: Goddess Mahagauri – Symbol of peace and purity. Offer coconut.
- Day 9: Goddess Siddhidatri – Symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Offer sesame seeds.
Navratri Fasting Rules and Food Guidelines
Navratri Fasting Dos and Don’ts:
- Allowed Foods:
- Fruits, milk, yogurt, and makhana (fox nuts).
- Singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) and kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour).
- Rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.
- Avoid:
- Onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food.
- Processed or packaged food.
- Alcohol and smoking.
Kanya Poojan and Dussehra Celebration
On the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, devotees perform Kanya Poojan, worshipping young girls (Kanyas) as a representation of the divine feminine power.
Kanya Poojan Ritual:
- Wash the feet of 9 girls (representing Navdurga).
- Offer them prasad, gifts, and money.
- Seek their blessings for prosperity and happiness.
On the tenth day (Dussehra), effigies of Ravana are burned, symbolizing the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana and the victory of good over evil.
Navratri 2025 is a spiritually enriching celebration that honors Goddess Durga’s power and grace. By observing the pooja vidhi, performing daily rituals, and fasting with devotion, devotees invite blessings, peace, and prosperity into their lives. May this Navratri bring divine blessings and happiness to all!
