Shardiya Navratri is one of the most sacred and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.
In 2025, Shardiya Navratri will begin on Monday, September 22, 2025, and end on Thursday, October 2, 2025. These nine days are believed to be highly auspicious for spiritual growth, devotion, and new beginnings.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about Shardiya Navratri 2025 – from dates and puja rituals to fasting rules, colours, vrat katha, and important dos and don’ts.
📅 Shardiya Navratri 2025 Dates and Calendar
- Start Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
- End Date (Vijayadashami/Dussehra): Thursday, October 2, 2025
Day-wise Navratri Calendar:
- Day 1 (Sep 22) – Ghatasthapana, Shailputri Puja
- Day 2 (Sep 23) – Brahmacharini Puja
- Day 3 (Sep 24) – Chandraghanta Puja
- Day 4 (Sep 25) – Kushmanda Puja
- Day 5 (Sep 26) – Skandamata Puja
- Day 6 (Sep 27) – Katyayani Puja
- Day 7 (Sep 28) – Kalaratri Puja
- Day 8 (Sep 29) – Mahagauri Puja, Ashtami
- Day 9 (Sep 30) – Siddhidatri Puja, Navami
- Day 10 (Oct 2) – Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
🌸 Significance of Shardiya Navratri
- Symbolizes the victory of good over evil – Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasura.
- Represents nine forms of Shakti (divine feminine energy).
- A time for spiritual cleansing, devotion, and renewal.
- Believed to be auspicious for new beginnings, marriages, and investments.
Also Read: Navratri 2025 Colours With Date
🙏 Ghatasthapana Muhurat 2025
Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri. It involves invoking Goddess Durga in a Kalash (sacred pot).
- Ghatasthapana Date: September 22, 2025
- Auspicious Muhurat: (Will vary by location, but generally in the morning after sunrise and before 12:00 PM)
Performing Ghatasthapana at the right time is considered essential for the success of Navratri Puja.
Shardiya Navratri Fasting Rules
Navratri vrat is not just about eating sattvic food; it is a holistic discipline that covers food, conduct, rituals, and spiritual practices. Devotees follow these rules to purify body, mind, and soul:
1. Food Rules (Aahar Niyam)
- Allowed: Fruits, milk, curd, paneer, dry fruits, makhana, kuttu atta, singhara atta, sabudana, rajgira, sendha namak.
- Avoided: Onion, garlic, wheat, rice, pulses, non-veg, alcohol.
- Meals: Light sattvic preparations, often once or twice a day.
2. Puja & Ritual Rules (Puja Niyam)
- Perform Ghatasthapana on the first day.
- Light an Akhand Jyoti (continuous diya) for 9 days if possible.
- Offer fresh flowers, fruits, bhog, and chant mantras daily.
- Read or listen to Durga Saptashati/Navratri Katha.
3. Lifestyle & Conduct Rules (Vihar Niyam)
- Practice brahmacharya (celibacy/self-control).
- Wake up early, take a bath before sunrise, and wear clean clothes (preferably cotton).
- Avoid cutting hair, shaving, or trimming nails during these 9 days.
- Refrain from anger, lies, and negative thoughts.
4. Spiritual Discipline (Manasik Niyam)
- Chant Durga mantras, meditate, or do japa with a rosary.
- Participate in bhajans, kirtans, and garba/dandiya as forms of devotion.
- Stay away from distractions like excessive TV, gossip, or indulgence.
5. End of Fast Rules (Paran Niyam)
- Break the fast with Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami — worship young girls, wash their feet, offer prasad (puri, halwa, chana), and seek blessings.
- Perform visarjan of Kalash and offer prayers on Vijayadashami.
Shardiya Navratri Puja Vidhi
After understanding the rules, devotees perform puja with devotion throughout the nine days:
- Ghatasthapana marks the beginning.
- Daily puja involves offering flowers, incense, a diya, and chanting Durga mantras.
- Many devotees recite the Durga Saptashati or listen to Navratri Katha.
- On Ashtami/Navami, Kanya Pujan is performed with utmost devotion.
- On Vijayadashami, Maa Durga is given a respectful farewell with prayers for strength and blessings.
Look more detail in our guide of Navratri Pooja Vidhi at Home
Akhand Diya in Navratri 🔥 (अखंड दीया)
Navratri is a time of devotion, celebration, and spiritual awakening. One of the most important traditions during this festival is lighting the Akhand Diya (अखंड दीया), a symbol of unbroken faith, purity, and divine energy.
What is Akhand Diya in Navratri? (अखंड दीया क्या है?)
An Akhand Diya (अखंड दीया) is an eternal oil lamp that is kept burning continuously, especially during Navratri (नवरात्रि).
It represents:
- Unbroken devotion (अटूट भक्ति)
- Purity (शुद्धता)
- Divine energy (दैवी ऊर्जा)
Lighting it creates a sacred atmosphere and connects you with the divine presence in your home.
Rule of Akhand Diya (अखंड दीया का नियम)
To maintain the sanctity of the Akhand Diya:
- Light it at the beginning of Navratri (नवरात्रि के शुरुआत में) and keep it burning for all nine days (नौ दिन).
- Use pure ghee (घी) or oil (तेल) for a steady, bright flame.
- Place it in the puja altar (पुजा स्थल) near Goddess Durga’s idol (माँ दुर्गा की मूर्ति).
- Avoid blowing it out unnecessarily; it should remain continuous and uninterrupted (बिना रुके जलता रहे).
💡 Pro Tip: Always check the oil level daily to ensure it burns smoothly.
Why is it Lit? (अखंड दीया क्यों जलाया जाता है?)
The flame of the Akhand Diya signifies:
- Light over darkness (अंधकार पर प्रकाश)
- Knowledge over ignorance (अज्ञान पर ज्ञान)
It is believed to:
- Attract positive energy (सकारात्मक ऊर्जा)
- Ward off negative vibes (नकारात्मक ऊर्जा)
- Invoke Goddess Durga’s blessings (माँ दुर्गा के प्रति भक्ति) for health, prosperity, and happiness (स्वास्थ्य, समृद्धि और खुशहाली)
Lighting the diya is not just ritualistic—it’s a way to invite divine energy into your home.
If Akhand Diya Goes Out (अगर अखंड दीया बुझ जाए)
Even if the diya accidentally goes out, there’s no need to worry. Here’s what to do:
- Re-light It Immediately (तुरंत दुबारा जलाएँ) – Use clean ghee or oil, and a fresh wick if needed.
- Check Placement & Oil (दीया की जगह और तेल देखें) – Ensure it’s on a stable surface and filled sufficiently.
- Maintain Devotion (भक्ति बनाए रखें) – Re-lighting is not inauspicious. Offer a small prayer while lighting.
- Learn from It (सीख लें) – Sometimes wind or impurities cause it to go out. Refill regularly to prevent this.
💡 Tip: Lighting with a new wick (नई बाती) is considered auspicious, symbolizing a fresh start in devotion (नई शुरुआत).
Shardiya Navratri Vrat Katha
The vrat katha narrates how Goddess Durga battled the demon Mahishasura for nine days. On the tenth day, she defeated him, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
This story inspires devotees to stay strong during challenges, reminding them that with faith and discipline, victory is assured. Many families recite this katha during the vrat to keep the spiritual essence alive.
✅ Dos and Don’ts During Shardiya Navratri
Following certain practices during Navratri helps maintain the purity of body, mind, and surroundings.
✔️ Do’s
- Wake up early, bathe before sunrise, and begin the day with prayers.
- Keep your home and puja space neat, clean, and positive.
- Chant Durga mantras or recite Durga Saptashati daily.
- Offer simple sattvic bhog (fruits, kheer, halwa, or coconut) to Maa Durga.
- Share blessings by donating food, clothes, or money to the needy.
❌ Don’ts
- Avoid anger, arguments, gossip, or negative speech.
- Do not consume meat, alcohol, onion, or garlic.
- Refrain from wearing black or inauspicious colors.
- Don’t break your fast with regular salt, wheat, or rice grains.
🌟 Tips for a Blessed Navratri 2025
- Plan ahead: Prepare vrat-friendly ingredients and outfits in advance.
- Celebrate culturally: Join Garba and Dandiya nights to feel the festive spirit.
- Involve the family: Encourage children to participate in simple rituals like lighting a diya or offering flowers.
- Go eco-friendly: Choose natural decor, clay idols, and organic colors for celebrations.
- Conclude with gratitude: On Vijayadashami, thank Maa Durga for her blessings and start afresh with positivity.
✨ Final Thoughts
Shardiya Navratri 2025, falling from September 22 to October 2, is more than a festival of rituals — it is a celebration of inner strength, discipline, and devotion.
By observing the vrat sincerely, performing puja with faith, and spreading kindness, devotees open the doors to blessings of health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
This Navratri, let’s not just follow traditions but also embrace the true essence of Maa Durga — courage, compassion, and purity. 🌺
Also Read: Navratri Pooja Vidhi at Home
Frequently Asked Questions
What food can we eat during Navratri fast?
You can eat fruits, milk, curd, paneer, dry fruits, makhana, sabudana, kuttu atta, singhara atta, rajgira, and use sendha namak. Avoid onion, garlic, wheat, rice, pulses, non-veg, and alcohol.
Can we drink tea or coffee during Navratri fasting?
Yes, tea and coffee are generally allowed in moderation during Navratri vrat, but many prefer herbal teas for a sattvic diet.
Which goddess is worshipped on each day of Navratri?
Each day is dedicated to one of the Navadurga — from Maa Shailputri on Day 1 to Maa Siddhidatri on Day 9. Devotees also follow the 9 colors of Navratri for each day.
Can we wash hair or cut nails during Navratri?
Bathing and washing hair daily is recommended for purity, but cutting nails, shaving, or getting haircuts are generally avoided during these 9 days.
Why do we celebrate Shardiya Navratri?
It commemorates the victory of Maa Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. It also marks Lord Rama’s worship of Durga before defeating Ravana.
What is Kanya Pujan in Navratri?
On Ashtami or Navami, devotees worship young girls (Kanjaks) as forms of Maa Durga. Their feet are washed, tilak applied, and they are offered prasad like puri, halwa, chana.
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