Navratri 2025: Dates, Ghatasthapana Muhurat & Puja Vidhi
Navratri is one of India’s most popular and widely celebrated festivals, observed over nine consecutive nights and days, usually in the autumn month of Ashwin (September–October). In 2025, Sharad Navratri will be celebrated from September 22 to September 30. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and honors nine divine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day is associated with a distinct avatar of the goddess, colourful rituals, region-specific cultural activities, and a deep sense of spiritual renewal. With every region bringing its own flavour—be it Gujarat’s Garba and Dandiya, West Bengal’s vibrant Durga Puja, or South India’s artistic Golu doll displays—Navratri showcases the unity and diversity of Indian traditions in a way no other festival does.
Also Read: 9 Days of Navratri 2025 Colours and the Goddess Worshipped Each Day
Ghatasthapana Muhurat
Pratipada Tithi begins: September 22, 2025 at 01:23 AM.
Pratipada Tithi ends: September 23, 2025 at 02:55 AM.
Kanya Lagna begins: September 22, 2025 at 06:09 AM.
Kanya Lagna ends: September 22, 2025 at 08:06 AM.
Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 06:09 AM to 08:06 AM on September 22, 2025.
Ghatasthapana Abhijit Muhurat: 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM on September 22, 2025.
The Ghatasthapana window coincides with Kanya Lagna, which is considered auspicious for the rite.
Shardiya Navratri 2025: Calendar
History and Origin
The origins of Navratri are rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures and legends. The most well-known story is that of Goddess Durga’s battle against the buffalo demon Mahishasura. According to mythology, the goddess fought fiercely for nine days and nights, finally destroying Mahishasura on the tenth day—symbolising the triumph of righteousness over evil. The festival’s multi-day format commemorates each stage of this victory and reflects India’s tradition of worshipping Shakti, the divine feminine energy. Over centuries, Navratri was embraced across India, adapting to local customs: for example, in North India, it ends with Dussehra and Ram Leela performances, while in South India, it is linked to creative displays of dolls (Golu/Kolu), and in East India, it coincides with Durga Puja significance festivities.
Theme of Navratri Celebration Across India 2025
As of now, Navratri does not have an official centralised theme for 2025. However, the recurring focus is on the universal victory of good over evil, spiritual cleansing, and the empowerment of women. Many community groups, social organisations, and local administrations personalise the festival with themes such as “Women’s Empowerment”, “Sustainable Festivities”, or “Celebrating India’s Cultural Diversity”. In 2025, with celebrations becoming increasingly eco-friendly and inclusive, the collective focus is expected to highlight unity in diversity, respect for traditions, and vibrant community participation across all age groups.
How Navratri Celebration Across India Is Observed
- Special awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and residential communities share the historical, cultural, and spiritual messages of Navratri.
- Government and NGOs often organise large-scale Garba and Dandiya events, promote eco-friendly festivities, and hold lectures on the major hindu festivals 2025 .
- Online platforms host live-streamed prayer sessions (pujas), digital Golu/Kolu exhibitions, and social media challenges using festival-specific hashtags, posters, and virtual dances.
- Public engagement includes donation drives, food distribution, cultural rallies, speeches on the significance of the nine days, and collective fast-breaking ceremonies.
Inspiring Quotes and Slogans
- "May the nine nights of Navratri fill your home with joy, your heart with devotion, and your life with positivity." – Traditional Blessing
- "Celebrate strength, embrace tradition—Navratri brings every heart closer to the goddess within." – Unknown
- "May Goddess Durga grant you the courage to fight every challenge and win every battle." – Festival Greeting
- "Let the colours of Navratri brighten your spirit and lead you towards victory and harmony." – Community Slogan
- "Nine nights, nine forms, infinite blessings—Happy Navratri!" – Festival Message
- "Shakti within, success all around—invoke the goddess, be empowered." – Motivational Quote
Reflect and Participate
- Write a short speech on why Navratri Celebration Across India remains relevant and inspiring in today’s multicultural society.
- Create a poster, slogan card, or social media post sharing the 9 forms of Goddess Durga or showcasing a local/regional Navratri tradition.
- Discuss with friends and family: What unique rituals or customs does your region observe for Navratri, and how do they connect you to your roots?
FAQs on Shardiya Navratri 2025: Day-wise Dates with Ghatasthapana Muhurat, Puja Vidhi & Significance
1. What is Navaratri and why is it celebrated?
Navaratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated over nine nights and ten days to honour the divine feminine energy (Shakti). It symbolises the victory of Goddess Durga over evil forces, inspiring spiritual growth, cultural unity, and the triumph of good over evil across India.
2. When will Navaratri be celebrated in 2025?
Navaratri 2025 is expected to begin on 29th September 2025 and end on 7th October 2025. Dates may vary based on the lunar calendar, so always check the official festival calendar for region-specific observances.
3. What are the names of the nine Goddesses worshipped during Navaratri?
The 9 days of Navratri are dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Durga, called Navdurga:
- Shailaputri
- Brahmacharini
- Chandraghanta
- Kushmanda
- Skandamata
- Katyayani
- Kalaratri
- Mahagauri
- Siddhidatri
Each goddess represents unique virtues like strength, wisdom, and peace.
4. How is Navaratri traditionally celebrated across different regions of India?
Navaratri celebrations vary across regions:
- Gujarat: Garba and Dandiya dance nights
- West Bengal: Durga Puja with elaborate idols and processions
- South India: Golu/Kolu doll displays, music, and classical performances
- Maharashtra: Community Bhondla and rituals
- North India: Ramlila performances, fasting, and Dussehra fairs
5. What are the main rituals performed each day during Navaratri?
Navaratri rituals commonly include:
- Kalash Sthapana (holy pot installation)
- Daily puja and aarti for the Goddess
- Chanting of Durga Saptashati or sacred mantras
- Fasting or following special dietary rules
- Offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess
- Kanya Pujan (worshipping young girls) on Ashtami/Navami
6. Why is Navaratri celebrated for 9 days?
Navaratri lasts nine days to honour the nine forms of Goddess Durga. According to legends, Durga fought the demon Mahishasura for nine nights, finally defeating him on the tenth day, symbolising the power of perseverance and the victory of good over evil.
7. What foods should be avoided during Navratri fasting?
During Navratri fasts, the following foods are usually avoided:
- Onion and garlic
- Non-vegetarian items (meat, fish, eggs)
- Alcohol and caffeinated drinks
- Wheat flour (atta) and regular rice
- Lentils and legumes
- Spices like hing (asafoetida)
8. What is the significance of Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Sharad Navratri (autumn) are two major Navratris.
- Chaitra Navratri: Celebrated in March-April, marking the start of the Hindu New Year.
- Sharad Navratri: Held in September-October, widely popular and ending with Dussehra. Both observe similar rituals, but Sharad Navratri is grander across India.
9. What are some popular Navratri slogans or quotes?
Popular Navratri slogans & quotes:
- "May the nine nights fill your home with joy and devotion."
- "Shakti within, success all around—Happy Navratri!"
- "Celebrate strength, embrace tradition."
- "Invoke the goddess, be empowered."
- "Let the colours of Navratri brighten your spirit."
10. What are some eco-friendly tips for celebrating Navratri?
Eco-friendly Navratri tips:
- Use clay or biodegradable idols for puja
- Opt for natural decorations and colours
- Avoid plastic and single-use items
- Promote digital invitations and e-posters
- Participate in community poojas to reduce waste
11. How can students participate in Navratri celebrations at school or home?
Students can participate in Navratri by:
- Preparing speeches or essays on festival significance
- Decorating classrooms or home prayer areas
- Joining Garba, Dandiya, or music events
- Observing eco-friendly practices
- Helping with rituals and offerings with family
12. What is forbidden during Navratri?
Forbidden during Navratri:
- Non-vegetarian foods and eggs
- Alcohol, tobacco, and intoxicants
- Onion, garlic, and certain spices
- Cutting nails, hair, or using harsh chemicals (in some traditions)
- Negative behaviour and quarrels are discouraged
