Shardiya Navratri 2025: Dates, Timings, Significance, Mantras, Bhog and Rituals
Shardiya Navratri, also known as Sharad Navratri or Maha Navratri, is one of the most significant and widely celebrated Hindu festivals in India. It honors Maa Durga, the divine mother goddess, and her nine powerful forms known as Navadurga. This nine-day festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and devotion, with vibrant cultural festivities, fasting, puja, dance, and community gatherings.
Navratri 2025 Dates, Timings and Duration:
- Navratri 2025 (Shardiya Navratri) will be observed from Monday, September 22, 2025, to Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
- Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marking the victory of good over evil, will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 2, 2025.
- This year, the Festival is extended by one extra day due to a shorter Pitru Paksha, making it a ten-day celebration from September 22 to October 2, 2025.
- The Pratipada Tithi for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) in Navratri 2025 begins at 1:23 AM on Monday, September 22, 2025, and ends at 2:55 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
- The most auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat (time to perform the ritual) on Navratri day one is from: 6:10 AM to 8:06 AM
- This period coincides with the Kanya Lagna, considered very favorable for setting up the Kalash.
- If the main morning muhurat is missed, an alternate auspicious time (Abhijeet Muhurat) is from: 11:50 AM to 12:39 PM on the same day
- Performing Ghatasthapana during the Pratipada Tithi within these muhurats is believed to invite the divine energy of Goddess Durga for the entire Navratri period, ensuring blessings of health, prosperity, and protection
Significance of Shardiya Navratri:
- The word “Navratri” means “nine nights,” during which devotees worship the nine divine avatars of Maa Durga.
- These forms represent different virtues such as power, knowledge, courage, and devotion, each invoked for blessings during the nine days.
- The festival marks Maa Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the restoration of Dharma (righteousness).
- It is a time for spiritual renewal, discipline through fasting, and cultural expression through music and dance.
Daily Worship and Color Significance:
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a distinct form of Goddess Durga and associated with a specific traditional color that devotees wear as a mark of respect:
- Day 1 (Sep 22): Maa Shailputri – White (Kalash Sthapana/Ghatasthapana ritual begins)
- Day 2 (Sep 23): Maa Brahmacharini – Red
- Day 3 (Sep 24): Maa Chandraghanta – Royal Blue
- Day 4 (Sep 25): Maa Kushmanda – Yellow
- Day 5 (Sep 26): Maa Skandamata – Green
- Day 6 (Sep 27): Maa Katyayani – Grey
- Day 7 (Sep 28): Maa Kalaratri – Orange
- Day 8 (Sep 29): Maa Mahagauri – Peacock Green
- Day 9 (Sep 30): Maa Siddhidatri – Pink
- Day 10 (Oct 2): Vijayadashami, Durga Visarjan (immersion)
- Devi Shailaputri: The daughter of the Himalayas, holding a trident and a lotus.
- Devi Brahmacharini: An ascetic goddess, holding a rosary and a water pot.
- Devi Chandraghanta: Adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead, ready for battle.
- Devi Kushmanda: The creator of the universe, radiating light and holding various weapons.
- Devi Skandamata: Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), seated on a lion with her child.
- Devi Katyayani: A fierce warrior goddess, riding a lion and holding a sword.
- Devi Kalaratri: The dark-skinned goddess, riding a donkey, with a terrifying yet protective form.
- Devi Mahagauri: The beautiful, radiant goddess, riding a bull and holding a trident and drum.
- Devi Siddhidatri: The bestower of all siddhis (supernatural powers), seated on a lotus, holding a discus, conch, trident, and lotus.
| Day | Date | Goddess Worshipped | Key Rituals & Significance | Traditional Color | Goddess Image Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 22 | Maa Shailputri | Ghatasthapana (Kalash installation), start of Navratri; symbolizes strength and stability | White | Depicted riding a bull, holding trident and lotus |
| 2 | September 23 | Maa Brahmacharini | Fasting and meditation; represents spiritual strength and penance | Red | Seated, holding rosary (japa mala) and water pot |
| 3 | September 24 | Maa Chandraghanta | Worship for courage and peace; symbolizes bravery | Royal Blue | Crescent moon on forehead, riding tiger |
| 4 | September 25 | Maa Kushmanda | Prayers for health, energy, and creativity | Yellow | Radiant smile, holding chakra and lotus |
| 5 | September 26 | Maa Skandamata | Blessings for family welfare and children | Green | Holding infant Skanda (Kartikeya), riding lion |
| 6 | September 27 | Maa Katyayani | Removing obstacles, especially related to marriage | Grey | Warrior goddess riding lion, with sword and shield |
| 7 | September 28 | Maa Kalaratri | Protection from evil forces; fierce form of Durga | Orange | Dark complexion, riding donkey, holding weapons |
| 8 | September 29 | Maa Mahagauri | Purity, peace, wisdom; Kanya Puja ritual | Peacock Green | Fair complexion, riding bull, calm and serene |
| 9 | September 30 | Maa Siddhidhatri | Bestower of wisdom and supernatural powers | Pink | Seated on lotus, holding scripture and rosary |
| 10 | October 2 | Durga Visarjan and Dussehra | Vijayadashami (10th day), celebration of victory of good over evil | — | Idols immersed signaling departure of goddess till next year |
Mantras & Bhog for Each Goddess:
| Day | Goddess Worshipped | Mantra (Sanskrit) | Bhog / Offering | Meaning/Benefits
Significance of Mantra and Bhog |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maa Shailputri | ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
(Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah) |
Pure Desi Ghee | Salutations to the daughter of the mountains; strength and purity.
Invokes strength and purity; ghee promotes health and vitality |
| 2 | Maa Brahmacharini | ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः (Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah) | Sugar and fruits | Salutations to the goddess of penance and devotion
Enhances devotion, patience and sweetness in life |
| 3 | Maa Chandraghanta | ॐ देवी चंद्रघंटायै नमः
(Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah) |
Kheer (sweet rice pudding) | Salutations to the goddess who bestows courage and bravery
Brings harmony and courage; kheer symbolizes purity |
| 4 | Maa Kushmanda | ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः (Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah) | Malpua (sweet pancakes) | Salutations to the creator of the universe for energy and prosperity
Bestows health and prosperity |
| 5 | Maa Skandamata | ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah) | Bananas | Salutations to the mother of Skanda, symbolizing love and motherhood
Blesses family welfare and nurtures maternal love |
| 6 | Maa Katyayani | ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः
(Om Devi Katyayanayai Namah) |
Honey | Salutations to the warrior goddess who removes obstacles
Protects against negativity and obstacles |
| 7 | Maa Kalaratri | ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः
(Om Devi Kalaratrayai Namah) |
Jaggery (gur) | Salutations to the fierce goddess who eliminates darkness and fear.
Infuses courage and removes fears |
| 8 | Maa Mahagauri | ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः
(Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah) |
Coconut | Salutations to the goddess of purity and serenity.
Symbolizes purity, forgiveness, and blessings |
| 9 | Maa Siddhidhatri | ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः
(Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah) |
Sesame seeds | Salutations to the goddess who grants wisdom and supernatural powers.
Grants spiritual wisdom and supernatural powers |
For Detailed Mantras visit:
Shardiya Navratri 2025: Unlock the Divine Power of Navdurga Mantras for 9 days
Rituals During Shardiya Navratri
- Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): The festival opens with this sacred ritual, installing the Kalash (a holy pot) symbolizing Goddess Durga’s presence. It is done early morning on day one and marks the beginning of the puja.
- Puja and Aarti: Devotees perform daily worship rituals, offering flowers, fruits, sweets, and chanting powerful mantras like Durga Saptashati to invoke divine blessings.
- Fasting: Many observe fasts throughout the festival, either full or partial, to purify the mind and body, enhancing devotion.
- Sandhi Puja: Performed on Ashtami (day 8), it is a highly significant ritual honoring the moment when Maa Durga transformed into her fierce avatar to defeat Mahishasura.
- Kanya Puja: Devotees worship young girls (symbolizing the goddess) by washing their feet and offering gifts, usually on the eighth or ninth day.
- Cultural Festivities: The nights come alive across India with Garba and Dandiya dance, especially vibrant in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and West Bengal, where communities celebrate with music and colorful costumes.
- Vijayadashami: The festival culminates with the immersion of Goddess idols (Durga Visarjan), symbolizing her return to the divine realm and the victory of righteousness.
Why Shardiya Navratri is Important for Devotees : Regional Importance and Celebrations
- This festival is not only a religious observance but also a spiritual opportunity to overcome negativity, seek protection, and cultivate inner strength.
- Devotees believe worshipping Maa Durga during Shardiya Navratri removes obstacles, brings peace, prosperity, and health, and fosters a sense of community and cultural pride.
- While Shardiya Navratri is celebrated all over India, it holds special importance in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.
- In West Bengal, it coincides with Durga Puja, which is celebrated with massive grandeur, marked by elaborate pandals, artistic idol decorations, cultural shows, and traditional feasts.
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