Navratri 2025: Nine Nights of Divine Power, Devotion & Victory

Navratri 2025 Dates & Overview

Shardiya Navratri 2025 begins on Monday, September 22 and concludes with Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) on Thursday, October 2. Celebrated during the lunar fortnight of the Hindu month Ashvina, this festival marks the triumph of good over evil and honors Goddess Durga in her nine divine forms.

Spiritual Significance

Navratri symbolizes the nine-night battle between Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura, culminating in his defeat on the tenth day—Vijaya Dashami. Other legends include:

Lord Rama’s worship of Durga before his battle with Ravana, offering 108 lotuses and receiving divine blessings.
Uma’s homecoming—the daughter of King Daksha, who returns to her earthly family during Navratri, celebrated especially in Eastern India.

Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Durga Maa, with specific prayers, colors, and offerings:

Day 1 : Shailaputri – Daughter of the mountains, symbol of strength
Day 2 : Brahmacharini – Goddess of penance and peace
Day 3 : Chandraghanta – Warrior goddess with a crescent moon
Day 4 : Kushmanda – Creator of the cosmic egg, radiates warmth
Day 5 : Skandamata – Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya), fierce yet loving
Day 6 : Katyayini – Slayer of demons, protector of family life
Day 7 : Kalaratri – Fierce destroyer of evil, ruler of Saturn
Day 8 : Mahagauri – Pure and serene, honored during Kanya Puja
Day 9 : Siddhidaatri – Granter of wishes and spiritual powers

Day 10 Vijayadashami – Marks the victory of good; ideal for starting new ventures and Vidyarambham (initiation into learning).

Rituals of Navratri

Three-fold Worship:

Days 1–3: Durga as Shakti (Power)
Days 4–6: Lakshmi as Wealth
Days 7–9: Saraswati as Wisdom

Fasting & Food:
Devotees observe fasts, avoiding grains, onion, garlic, and meat. Special sattvic dishes are prepared, especially in North India.
Kanya Puja:
On Ashtami, young girls are worshipped as embodiments of the Goddess.
Sindhoor Khela:
Celebrated on Vijayadashami, especially in Bengal, where married women apply vermilion to each other.

Regional Celebrations

Eastern India (Durga Puja):
Grand pandals, cultural performances, and elaborate rituals dominate Bengal, Assam, and Odisha.
Gujarat & Maharashtra (Garba & Dandiya):
Traditional dances with vibrant attire and rhythmic music light up the nights.
Goa:
Saraswat Brahmin temples host zatras and worship the Dasha Maitrikas with sandalwood, kumkum, and new ornaments.
Kerala (Ayudha Puja):
On the ninth day, tools, books, and instruments are cleaned, decorated, and worshipped—honoring the divine in daily life.

Why Navratri Matters

Navratri is more than a festival—it’s a spiritual reset, a time to invoke inner strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Whether through dance, fasting, prayer, or ritual, each tradition reflects the universal message: victory of light over darkness, and dharma over adharma.