Shardiya Navratri 2025: Dates, Significance, Rituals, Colours and Celebrations

 

Introduction

Shardiya Navratri is one of the most celebrated and spiritually significant Hindu festivals, dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine divine forms. In 2025, Shardiya Navratri will begin on September 22 (Monday) and conclude on October 2 (Thursday) with Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

According to the Drik Panchang calendar, this year Navratri will extend for 10 days instead of the usual nine. This rare occurrence is because Pitru Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to ancestors) is one day shorter in 2025, and the additional day carries forward into Navratri.

For millions of devotees across India and abroad, Shardiya Navratri is a period of fasting, devotion, prayer, and celebration. From early morning pujas to vibrant evenings filled with Garba and Dandiya, the festival blends deep spiritual significance with colourful cultural traditions.

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Calendar and Dates

The festival follows the lunar calendar and is observed during the Ashwin Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight of the Ashwin month). Each day is dedicated to one of the Navadurgas, the nine avatars of Maa Durga.

Here is the detailed day-by-day schedule for Shardiya Navratri 2025:

Day 1 (Pratipada) – September 22, Monday

Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja
The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of the Kalash, symbolising the divine presence of Maa Durga. Devotees worship Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, who represents strength, stability, and nature’s power.
Colour of the Day: White – White symbolises purity, peace, and serenity, making it the perfect start for the spiritual journey of Navratri.

 

Day 2 (Dwitiya) – September 23, Tuesday

Brahmacharini Puja
On this day, devotees worship Maa Brahmacharini, the Goddess of devotion, penance, and wisdom. She blesses her devotees with peace and spiritual enlightenment. Observers of the vrat (fast) pray for inner strength and perseverance.
Colour of the Day: Red – Red represents energy, passion, and determination, aligning with the Goddess’s meditative form.

 

Day 3 (Tritiya) – September 24, Wednesday

Chandraghanta Puja
The third day is dedicated to Maa Chandraghanta, known for the crescent moon adorning her forehead. She is a symbol of courage and valor, riding a tiger and protecting devotees from negativity. Worshippers seek fearlessness and bravery.
Colour of the Day: Royal Blue – The deep shade signifies calmness, stability, and strength.

 

Day 4 (Chaturthi) – September 25, Thursday

Kushmanda Puja
Devotees worship Maa Kushmanda, believed to have created the universe with her divine smile. She brings energy, light, and positivity into her devotees’ lives. Offerings of fruits, flowers, and pumpkin (kushmanda) are made on this day.
Colour of the Day: Yellow – Yellow is a vibrant colour symbolising happiness, optimism, and prosperity.

 

Day 5 (Panchami) – September 26, Friday

Skandamata Puja
This day is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda). She represents motherhood, love, and care, blessing her devotees with wisdom and prosperity. Worshipping her is said to remove obstacles from life.
Colour of the Day: Green – Green symbolises harmony, growth, and renewal.

 

Day 6 (Shashti) – September 27, Saturday

Katyayani Puja
On the sixth day, devotees worship Maa Katyayani, the warrior Goddess born to Sage Katyayan. She represents fierce power and courage, often prayed to by young women seeking a good life partner. She is associated with strength and protection.
Colour of the Day: Grey – Grey reflects balance, discipline, and emotional strength.

 

Day 7 (Saptami) – September 28, Sunday

Kalaratri Puja
This day is devoted to Maa Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Durga. She destroyed the demons Sumbha and Nisumbha and is considered the remover of fear and darkness. Her worship helps devotees overcome challenges and negativity.
Colour of the Day: Orange – Orange signifies warmth, enthusiasm, and courage, matching the Goddess’s fiery nature.

 

Day 8 (Ashtami) – September 29, Monday

Mahagauri Puja, Sandhi Puja, Kanya Pujan
The eighth day honours Maa Mahagauri, known for her calm, compassionate, and forgiving nature. She represents purity and serenity. On this day, Sandhi Puja is performed at the junction of Ashtami and Navami, marking the slaying of demons Chanda and Munda. Many devotees also perform Kanya Pujan, where young girls symbolising Goddess Durga are worshipped.
Colour of the Day: Peacock Green – This shade symbolises compassion, love, and harmony.

 

Day 9 (Navami) – September 30, Tuesday

Siddhidatri Puja, Navratri Parana
The ninth day is dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, who bestows devotees with wisdom, success, and spiritual powers (siddhis). It is the concluding day of the main Navratri pujas, and many people end their fasts with Navratri Parana rituals.
Colour of the Day: Pink – Pink represents universal love, kindness, and femininity.

 

Day 10 (Dashami) – October 2, Thursday

Vijayadashami / Dussehra, Durga Visarjan
The festival concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), celebrating the triumph of good over evil. In many parts of India, effigies of Ravana are burnt to commemorate Lord Rama’s victory. In Bengal and eastern states, Durga Visarjan is performed, marking the farewell of Maa Durga to her celestial abode.
No colour is assigned for Dashami, but people wear festive attire as they celebrate victory, prosperity, and new beginnings.

 

 Significance of Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri carries both spiritual and cultural importance.

• Spiritual Significance:The festival honours Maa Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. Each of the nine days highlights one form of Maa Durga, inspiring devotees to cultivate purity, courage, wisdom, and compassion.
• Seasonal Connection: Shardiya Navratri coincides with the onset of autumn. Traditionally, this transition is seen as an ideal time for spiritual cleansing, detoxifying the body through fasting, and preparing for the change in seasons.
• Cultural Unity: From Durga Puja in West Bengal to Garba nights in Gujarat and Golu displays in Tamil Nadu, the festival is celebrated differently across regions, but the underlying devotion remains the same.

Rituals of Shardiya Navratri 2025

1. Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a Kalash (sacred pot) symbolising Maa Durga’s presence. A pot filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut is placed on a bed of barley seeds, which sprout during the nine days, symbolising growth and prosperity.

2. Daily Worship of Navadurgas

Each day is dedicated to one form of Durga, with specific prayers, flowers, and offerings. Devotees chant Durga Saptashati and perform morning and evening aartis.

3. Fasting and Devotion

Fasting during Navratri is seen as a way to purify the body and soul. Many devotees consume only fruits, milk, and satvik food (without onion, garlic, or grains). Some keep nirjal fasts (without water) for specific days like Ashtami or Navami.

4. Sandhi Puja

This special ritual is performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami, considered a highly auspicious time. It marks the moment when Maa Durga transformed into Chamunda to slay demons Chanda and Munda.

5. Kanya Pujan

On Ashtami or Navami, young girls symbolising the nine forms of Durga are worshipped. They are offered food, gifts, and blessings.

6. Vijayadashami and Durga Visarjan

The festival concludes with Durga Visarjan on Vijayadashami. In many places, effigies of Ravana are burnt, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

 

Colours of Shardiya Navratri 2025 and Their Meaning

Each day of Navratri is associated with a colour that devotees wear during puja and celebrations.

1. White (Day 1) – Purity, peace, and new beginnings
2. Red (Day 2) – Strength, passion, and devotion
3. Royal Blue (Day 3) – Calmness and balance
4. Yellow (Day 4) – Joy, energy, and positivity
5. Green (Day 5) – Growth, prosperity, and nature
6. Grey (Day 6) – Balance, discipline, and resilience
7. Orange (Day 7) – Courage and enthusiasm
8. Peacock Green (Day 8) – Compassion and harmony
9. Pink (Day 9) – Love, kindness, and beauty

These colours are widely followed, and many people dress in them to align with the spiritual energy of the day.

 

Regional Celebrations of Shardiya Navratri

West Bengal – Durga Puja:

• Elaborate pandals, artistic idols, and cultural programs mark the biggest celebration in Kolkata and across Bengal.

Gujarat – Garba and Dandiya Nights:

• The state becomes a hub of music and dance, with people gathering every night to celebrate through Garba and Dandiya.

Maharashtra – Community Celebrations:

• Families come together for pujas, while societies organise Garba nights.

Tamil Nadu – Golu:

• Dolls and figurines are displayed on steps, depicting stories from scriptures.

Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Dussehra:

• Celebrated after Navratri, it involves grand processions of deities and cultural performances.

 

Modern Celebrations and Global Reach

In today’s time, Navratri is not limited to India. Communities across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia celebrate it with grandeur. Temples host daily pujas, while cultural associations organise Garba and Dandiya events. Social media has also added a modern flavour, with devotees sharing colours of the day, live-streaming pujas, and connecting virtually.

 

Fasting Rules and Food During Navratri

Many devotees follow strict dietary guidelines during Navratri. Common vrat foods include:

• Sabudana khichdi
• Singhara atta puri
• Kuttu ke pakore
• Fruits and milk
• Makhana kheer

The emphasis is on satvik meals that cleanse the body and support meditation and prayer.

Importance of Vijayadashami

Vijayadashami, the final day, is celebrated differently across regions:

• In North India, it is linked with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, marked by Ramlila performances and burning effigies of Ravana.
• In East India, it is the day of Durga Visarjan, when Maa Durga returns to her celestial home.
• In South India, it is celebrated as Ayudha Puja, where people worship their tools, books, and vehicles.

The underlying message remains the same: the ultimate victory of truth, righteousness, and dharma.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri 2025 is not just a festival but a spiritual journey that inspires devotees to embrace strength, purity, compassion, and wisdom. With rituals rooted in tradition and celebrations full of colour and energy, it unites families and communities across the world.

This year’s extended 10-day Navratri makes it even more special, offering devotees an extra day of devotion and festivity. Whether you observe it through fasting and prayers or by joining Garba nights with friends, the essence of Navratri remains the same: the victory of good over evil and the celebration of divine feminine power.

FAQs on Shardiya Navratri 2025

Q1. When is Shardiya Navratri in 2025?
Shardiya Navratri 2025 begins on 22 September and ends on 2 October.

Q2. Why is Navratri 10 days in 2025 instead of 9?
This year, Pitru Paksha is one day shorter, and that day is added to Navratri, extending it to 10 days.

Q3. What is the most important ritual of Navratri?
Ghatasthapana on the first day and Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami are considered highly significant.

Q4. Which Goddess is worshipped on the first day?
On Day 1, Maa Shailputri is worshipped.

Q5. What are the nine colours of Navratri 2025?
White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Orange, Peacock Green, and Pink.