Navratri, the festival dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine forms, is usually a nine-day spiritual rollercoaster. This year, however, it is stretching into a rare ten-day spectacle, with Dussehra marking the grand finale. The unusual length is due to a rare lunar alignment where the tithis (lunar days) span over two solar days, intensifying spiritual energy.
Difference between Durga Puja and Navratri explained | Credit: Freepick
Navratri 2025: A rare 10-day celebration
The festival kicks off on Monday, September 22, 2025, and runs until Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with Dussehra on Thursday, October 2. Devotees across India and the globe are preparing to immerse themselves in extended prayers, rituals, and celebrations.
Aarti | Credit: Canva Stock Photos
The Navratri puja schedule
Each day of Navratri celebrates a different form of Maa Durga:
Day 1 (Sept 22): Devi Shailputri Puja with Ghatasthapana
Day 2 (Sept 23): Devi Brahmacharini Puja
Day 3 (Sept 24): Devi Chandraghanta Puja
Day 4 (Sept 25): Devi Kushmanda Puja
Day 5-6 (Sept 26-27): Devi Skandamata and Devi Katyayani Puja
Day 7 (Sept 28): Devi Kaalratri Puja
Day 8-9 (Sept 29-30): Devi Mahagauri and Devi Siddhidatri Puja
Day 10 (Oct 1): Final day of Devi Siddhidatri Puja leading to Dussehra (Oct 2)
Devotees are encouraged to perform all rituals during the auspicious muhurats, which vary each day, such as Ghatasthapana Muhurat from 6:27 AM to 8:16 AM on the first day.
Significance of Navratri
The festival is a celebration of good triumphing over evil. One story narrates how Goddess Durga was created by the Trimurtis to defeat the demon king Mahishasura after nine days of fierce battle. Dussehra marks her ultimate victory.
Difference between Durga Puja and Navratri explained | Credit: Freepick
In another tale from the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped Maa Durga for nine days before his battle with Ravana, receiving her blessings to restore dharma. Some traditions also celebrate the marriage of Uma and Lord Shiva during Navratri, marking her homecoming to Earth.
Rituals and fasting guide for Navratri 2025
Across India, Navratri is a carnival of devotion, dance, and culture:
North India: Rama Leela performances and Dussehra celebrations
West India (Gujarat & Maharashtra): Garba and Dandiya nights with colourful outfits
East India (West Bengal): Grand Durga Poojas with cultural events
South India: Ayudha Pooja, adorning tools and vehicles for blessings
Fasting rules typically include avoiding garlic, onions, meat, eggs, and processed foods, while consuming fruits, vegetables, dairy, and rock salt. Alcohol and caffeine are also avoided to maintain purity and devotion.
Why Bengalis feast on fish and meat during Navratri? | Credit: X/freepik
Why Navratri 2025 is unique?
This year’s Navratri is spiritually supercharged due to rare tithi extensions and lunar phases that intensify cosmic energy. The 11-day spiritual window supports meditation, devotion, and personal breakthroughs, making this Navratri a rare opportunity for devotees to experience heightened blessings and spiritual growth.
Navratri 2025: A rare 10-day celebration | Credit: Freepik
FAQs
Q1: When does Navratri 2025 start and end?
Navratri 2025 starts on September 22 and ends on October 1, with Dussehra on October 2.
Q2: Why is Navratri 2025 celebrated for 10 days instead of nine?
A rare tithi alignment spreads the lunar days across two solar days, extending the festival by one day.
Q3: What are the auspicious muhurats for Navratri rituals?
Each day has special timings, such as Ghatasthapana Muhurat on Day 1 from 6:27 AM to 8:16 AM.
Q4: How is Navratri celebrated differently across India?
North India celebrates Rama Leela, West India enjoys Garba and Dandiya, East India holds grand Durga Poojas, and South India observes Ayudha Pooja.
Q5: What are the fasting rules during Navratri?
Devotees eat vegetarian meals avoiding garlic, onions, meat, eggs, and processed foods, while consuming fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
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