Chaitra Navratri 2025 dates: Check significance, rituals, and regional celebrations of this festival

Navratri 2025 dates April: Chaitra Navratri is one of the most significant Hindu festivals. It is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. It marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar new year and is observed with great devotion across India.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 dates

Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, will begin on 30 March 2025 and conclude on 7 April 2025.

In many regions of India, the festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and culminates with Ram Navami, Lord Ram's birth anniversary, on the final day.

In autumn, Sharad Navratri is observed. This year, the October Navratri will begin on 22 September and end on 1 October. The festival concludes with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is of immense spiritual and cultural importance. During these nine days, Goddess Durga is believed to descend to bless her devotees, helping them overcome obstacles and attain spiritual growth.

Each day is dedicated to a different form of Navadurga—the nine manifestations of Durga. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, much like Sharad Navratri, which occurs later in the year.

In addition to religious observance, Chaitra Navratri also aligns with the onset of spring, a season of renewal and prosperity. Devotees use this period for fasting, meditation, and self-discipline, seeking divine blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.

Chaitra Navratri Calendar 2025

First day - March 30: Maa Shailputri (Daughter of the mountains)

Second day - March 31: Maa Brahmacharini (The unmarried form of Parvati)

Second day - March 31: Maa Chandraghanta (Symbol of peace and bravery)

Third day - April 1: Maa Kushmanda (The creator of the universe)

Fourth day - April 2: Maa Skandamata (Mother of Lord Kartikeya)

Fifth day - April 3: Maa Katyayani (The fierce form of Durga)

Sixth day - April 4: Maa Kalratri (Destroyer of darkness and ignorance)

Seventh day - April 5: Maa MahaGauri (Symbol of purity and serenity)

Eighth day - April 6: Maa Siddhidatri (Bestower of wisdom and supernatural powers)

Basantik Navratri will last only 8 days this year, starting on Sunday, March 30, and concluding on April 6. Due to the loss of Tritiya Tithi, Navratri will be observed for 8 days instead of the usual 9.

9 colours of Navratri and their significance

Day 1 - Grey

Goddess: Maa Shailputri

Significance: Grey symbolizes balance and the destruction of evil.

Day 2 - Orange

Goddess: Maa Brahmacharini

Significance: Orange represents energy, enthusiasm, and strength.

Day 3 - White

Goddess: Maa Chandraghanta

Significance: White symbolizes peace, purity, and calmness.

Day 4 - Red

Goddess: Maa Kushmanda

Significance: Red represents power, passion, and devotion.

Day 5 - Royal Blue

Goddess: Maa Skandamata

Significance: Royal Blue signifies divine energy and wisdom.

Day 6 - Yellow

Goddess: Maa Katyayani

Significance: Yellow represents happiness, positivity, and knowledge.

Day 7 - Green

Goddess: Maa Kalratri

Significance: Green symbolizes growth, prosperity, and new beginnings.

Day 8 - Peacock Green

Goddess: Maa Mahagauri

Significance: Peacock Green represents compassion and serenity.

Day 9 - Purple

Goddess: Maa Siddhidatri (Bestower of wisdom and supernatural powers)

Significance: Purple symbolizes spirituality, ambition, and transformation.

Rituals and Traditions of Chaitra Navratri

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

On the first day, devotees perform Ghatasthapana, a ritual involving the installation of a sacred pot (Kalash) representing the goddess.

Fasting and Worship

Many devotees observe Navratri fasting, consuming only satvik food like fruits, milk, and grains such as kuttu (buckwheat) and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).

Puja and Mantra Chanting

Each day, prayers and aarti are performed to honour a specific form of Goddess Durga, and sacred texts like the Durga Saptashati are recited.

Kanya Pujan

On the eighth or ninth day (Ashtami/Navami), young girls (symbolizing divine energy) are worshipped and offered food, clothes, and gifts.

Ram Navami Celebration

The festival concludes with Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram. Temples host grand celebrations, bhajans, and processions in his honour.

Regional Celebrations of Chaitra Navratri

• In North India, Chaitra Navratri is widely celebrated in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, with temples conducting special prayers.
• In Maharashtra, it coincides with Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year.
• In South India, it aligns with Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year.
• In West Bengal, it marks the start of preparations for Durga Puja later in the year.

What is Ghatasthapana?

Ghatasthapana, one of the significant rituals during Navratri, marks the beginning of nine days festivity. Ghatasthapana refers to invocation of Goddess Shakti. According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time to perform Ghatasthapana is first one third of the day during Pratipada. It can also be done during Abhijit Muhurta.

Essential items for Ghatasthapana:

• Wide and open Clay Pot to sow Sapta Dhanya
• Clean Soil to sow Sapta Dhanya
• Sapta Dhanya or seeds of seven different grains
• Small clay or brass Pitcher
• Sacred water to fill the Kalash or Ganga Jal
• Sacred thread / Moli / Kalaya
• Scent (perfume)
• Supari (betel nuts)
• Coins
• 5 leaves of Ashoka or Mango tree
• Rice
• Unpeeled Coconut
• Red Cloth to warp coconut
• Flowers preferably marigold
• Durva grass