Navaratri, meaning “nine nights,” is one of the most sacred festivals in Sanatan Dharma, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms. In 2025, Sharad Navaratri begins on September 22 and concludes on October 2, followed by Vijayadashami on October 3.
Each day honors a different manifestation of the Goddess—from Shailputri to Siddhidatri—symbolizing a spiritual journey from grounding and strength to divine fulfillment. The festival represents:
- Victory of good over evil
- Inner purification and spiritual awakening
- Feminine energy (Shakti) in all its forms—motherly, fierce, nurturing, and wise
Devotees observe fasts, perform daily pujas, and wear specific colors aligned with each goddess’s energy.
On the first day of Navratri and when the divine Durga Puja season is underway, had the opportunity to pray at the Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, Tripura. Prayed for the well-being and prosperity of my fellow Indians. pic.twitter.com/BERCU24usZ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 22, 2025
Puja Vidhana (Rituals and Procedure)
Day 1: Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)
This marks the beginning of Navaratri. The auspicious muhurat for Ghatasthapana on September 22 is between 6:11 AM and 7:52 AM, with an alternative Abhijit muhurat from 11:51 AM to 12:39 PM.
Step-by-Step Ghatasthapana Vidhi:
- Clean the puja space and take a holy bath.
- Place a Kalash filled with Ganga Jal, coins, supari, akshat (turmeric rice), and mango leaves.
- Top the Kalash with a coconut wrapped in red cloth.
- Sow barley or navadhanya grains in an earthen pot around the Kalash.
- Light an Akhand Jyoti (oil lamp) to burn continuously for nine days.
- Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and ghee-based bhog to Maa Shailputri.
- Recite Durga Saptashati, Shailputri stotra, and perform aarti
Daily Puja Highlights (Days 2–9):
Each day includes:
- Offering specific bhog items (e.g., milk, jaggery, bananas, honey)
- Chanting mantras and stotras for the respective goddess
- Wearing the day’s color to align with divine vibrations
- Decorating the idol with flowers and shringar items
Here’s a quick snapshot:
| Day | Goddess | Color | Blessing Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shailputri | Yellow | Strength & grounding |
| 2 | Brahmacharini | White | Devotion & peace |
| 3 | Chandraghanta | Red | Courage & protection |
| 4 | Kushmanda | Royal Blue | Health & cosmic energy |
| 5 | Skandamata | Yellow | Motherhood & compassion |
| 6 | Katyayani | Green | Justice & love |
| 7 | Kalaratri | Grey | Fearlessness & resilience |
| 8 | Mahagauri | Purple | Purity & transformation |
| 9 | Siddhidatri | Peacock Green | Fulfillment & divine grace |
A Festival of Inner and Outer Light
Navaratri 2025 is not just a celebration—it’s a spiritual reset. Through disciplined rituals, fasting, and devotion, devotees invite Shakti into their lives to conquer negativity and embrace divine strength.
Whether you’re performing puja at home or attending temple events, aligning with the daily goddess, color, and mantra can elevate your experience.
