How to Celebrate Shardiya Navratri 2025: Rituals, Dates & Devotion

Introduction

Every year, millions of devotees across India and abroad wait eagerly for the arrival of Navratri. The word “Navratri” means nine nights, and during these sacred days, people worship nine forms of Goddess Durga with faith and devotion. Among the four Navratris celebrated in the Hindu calendar, Shardiya Navratri, which falls in the lunar month of Ashwin (September–October), holds the highest spiritual significance.

In 2025, Shardiya Navratri begins on Monday, 22 September 2025 and concludes with Vijayadashami on Thursday, 2 October 2025. This period marks the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and devotion over ignorance.

But Navratri is not just about fasting and rituals, it is also about reconnecting with cultural roots, family bonding, and spiritual renewal. Let’s take a journey into the deeper story, rituals, and astrological meaning of Shardiya Navratri 2025.

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Dates and Astrological Significance

• Start Date: 22 September 2025 (Monday, Pratipada Tithi)
• End Date: 2 October 2025 (Thursday, Vijayadashami)

This Navratri coincides with the onset of Sharad Ritu (autumn season). According to Vedic astrology, planetary positions during Navratri amplify the divine feminine energy, making prayers and rituals more effective. Fasting and meditation during these days are believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul.

Story and Mythology Behind Navratri

The roots of Navratri lie in the Devi Mahatmya, a scripture that narrates how Goddess Durga fought against demons who threatened peace in the universe. The most famous legend tells of Mahishasura, a demon who gained a boon that no man or god could kill him. With this arrogance, he created havoc across the three worlds. (Buy and read about Devi Mahatmya on Amazon)

To end his tyranny, the supreme trinity : Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh united their powers to create Goddess Durga, an embodiment of Shakti. Riding a lion and armed with divine weapons, she battled Mahishasura for nine nights and finally defeated him on the tenth day, known as Vijayadashami.

This is why Navratri is celebrated as the victory of divine feminine power over evil.

Why Shardiya Navratri is Celebrated

• To honour the nine forms of Goddess Durga, also known as Navadurga.
• To celebrate the victory of good over evil symbolized by the slaying of Mahishasura.
• To spiritually cleanse the body and mind through fasting, meditation, and devotion.
• To mark a time of cultural bonding through dance, music, and community celebrations.

Rituals and Customs of Shardiya Navratri 2025

The festival is celebrated with devotion and discipline. Here is a step-by-step outline of the main rituals:

1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana):
   The festival begins with the establishment of a sacred Kalash (pot), symbolizing Goddess Durga’s presence.
2. Daily Puja of Navadurga:
   Each day is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga, accompanied by offerings, flowers, incense, and chanting of mantras.
3. Fasting:
   Devotees observe fasts by consuming fruits, milk, and light meals. Some follow nirjala fast (without food or water) as a form of discipline.
4. Kanya Pujan:
   On Ashtami and Navami, young girls are worshipped as forms of the goddess. They are offered food, gifts, and blessings.
5. Ramlila and Dussehra:
   In many regions, stage plays depicting the life of Lord Rama (Ramlila) are performed. On the tenth day, effigies of Ravana are burned to mark the victory of good.

Day-Wise Navratri 2025 Schedule and Colours

Here is a detailed table of the nine days of Shardiya Navratri 2025:

Date (2025)	Tithi	Day	Goddess Worshipped	Colour of the Day	Rituals / Significance
22 Sept	Pratipada	Monday	Maa Shailaputri	Orange	Ghatasthapana, worship of Maa Shailaputri for stability and strength.
23 Sept	Dwitiya	Tuesday	Maa Brahmacharini	White	Fasting and devotion, Maa Brahmacharini blesses with penance and wisdom.
24 Sept	Tritiya	Wednesday	Maa Chandraghanta	Red	Worship for courage and peace, Maa Chandraghanta removes fear.
25 Sept	Chaturthi	Thursday	Maa Kushmanda	Royal Blue	Offerings of pumpkin and sweets, Maa Kushmanda brings health and energy.
26 Sept	Panchami	Friday	Maa Skandamata	Yellow	Puja with bananas, she blesses with prosperity and growth.
27 Sept	Shashti	Saturday	Maa Katyayani	Green	Worship for marriage and relationships, removes obstacles.
28 Sept	Saptami	Sunday	Maa Kalaratri	Grey	Protects from negativity, rituals for fearlessness.
29 Sept	Ashtami	Monday	Maa Mahagauri	Purple	Durga Ashtami, Kanya Pujan, Maa Mahagauri symbolizes purity.
30 Sept	Navami	Tuesday	Maa Siddhidatri	Peacock Green	Grants spiritual powers, Maha Navami celebrations.
2 Oct	Dashami	Thursday	Vijayadashami	–	Idol immersion, Ayudha Puja, celebration of Rama’s victory.

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Regional Variations in Celebration

• North India: Navratri coincides with Ramlila and Dussehra. Devotees fast and worship Goddess Durga in temples.
• West Bengal: Known as Durga Puja, with grand pandals, cultural performances, and immersion of idols.
• Gujarat: Famous for Garba and Dandiya Raas, where people dance all night in devotion.
• South India: Celebrated as Golu or Bommai Kolu, where artistic displays of dolls and deities are arranged.
• Maharashtra: Known for community gatherings, fasting, and offering bhog to the goddess.

Foods, Prasad, and Traditional Dishes

Fasting foods include fruits, sabudana khichdi, kuttu (buckwheat) puris, samak rice, and singhara flour dishes.
Prasad offerings include halwa, puri, chana, kheer, coconut, and sweets. Each day devotees prepare special food items to offer to the goddess.

Dos and Don’ts for Devotees

Dos:

• Begin with Kalash sthapana.
• Try to wear the colour of the day.
• Maintain purity of body and mind.
• Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the goddess.

Don’ts:

• Avoid alcohol, meat, onion, and garlic.
• Avoid negativity or arguments.

Astrological and Vedic Insights

Shardiya Navratri aligns with seasonal and cosmic changes. In 2025, planetary positions during Ashwin month enhance spiritual vibrations, making meditation and prayers more powerful. It is also considered auspicious for new beginnings, wealth, and prosperity.

Importance for Wealth, Prosperity, Family, and Spiritual Growth

• Brings blessings of wealth (Dhan) and prosperity (Samriddhi).
• Strengthens family unity through shared rituals.
• Removes negativity and promotes positivity.
• Enhances spiritual growth and inner peace.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri 2025 is more than just a festival, it is a time for devotion, discipline, and celebration of the divine feminine energy. Whether you fast, visit temples, join Garba nights, or simply light a diya at home, the essence of Navratri lies in connecting with the energy of Goddess Durga and seeking her blessings for strength, prosperity, and happiness.

As we prepare for 22 September to 2 October 2025, may this Navratri bring light, love, and abundance into every home.

Are you planning your Navratri vrat and rituals for 2025? Share your experiences and preparations in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Also read – How to prepare for Navratri 2025: Puja Samagri and Shopping Guide

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