Navratri | Durga Puja 2025 | Date | Day | Rituals | Significance & Legend

When is Navratri & Durga Puja in 2025? 

By Intimate Viewpoint

Introduction

Navratri (literally “nine nights”) is a major Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms (Navadurga).

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Vrats & Festivals, celebrated In September 2025

It is observed with fasting, devotional song/puja, religious rituals, cultural performances (garba, dandiya in some regions), and purification of both the body and mind.

There are several Navratri in the lunar calendar, but the two most prominent ones are Chaitra Navratri (in Spring, around March–April) and Sharad (Shardiya) Navratri in the Fall (around September–October). 

Kalash Sthapana / Ghatasthapana?

Kalash Sthapana (also called Ghatasthapana) is the ritual that marks the start of Navratri.

In this ritual, a Kalash (a sacred pot) is established which becomes symbolic of invoking the presence of Goddess Durga into one’s home.

The Kalash is usually filled with water, topped with mango leaves, and a coconut is placed on top. It's often placed on a small platform (chowki) and decorated, and barley (or other grains) are often sown around it.

The ritual has to be done during an auspicious time (muhurta), following certain puja procedures (cleaning, invoking deities, offering flowers, incense, etc.). 

Date & Day

Here are the details for Sharad Navratri (Shardiya Navratri) in 2025:

Event Date Day

Ghatasthapana / Kalash Sthapana (Day 1 of Navratri) Monday, 22 September 2025 Monday 

Navratri Begins 22 September 2025 Monday 

Navratri Ends Wednesday, 1 October 2025 Wednesday 

Vijayadashami / Dussehra Thursday, 2 October 2025 Thursday 

Timing (Muhurat) for Kalash Sthapana 2025

Morning Muhurta: ~ 6:09 AM to 8:06 AM on 22 September 2025 

There is also a midday/abijit muhurta mentioned in some sources. 

Significance 

Of Day 1 / Ghatasthapana

This ritual symbolizes beginning anew — invoking divine energy, cleansing and preparation of the spiritual and physical space.

It is believed that performing Kalash Sthapana at the right time with proper procedure ensures blessings for the entire Navratri period — protection, prosperity, peace.

The first day is associated with Goddess Shailaputri, one of the nine forms of Durga; she represents strength, purity, and new beginnings. 

Day-wise Outline of Navratri 2025 (Sharad)

Here’s how the nine days line up in 2025, with the respective goddesses and colors (these vary by region, but this is a commonly followed scheme) :

Day Date Goddess Approximate Colour

Day 1 22 Sept (Mon) Shailaputri & Ghatasthapana White 

Day 2 23 Sept (Tue) Brahmacharini Red 

Day 3 24 Sept (Wed) Chandraghanta Royal Blue 

Day 4 25 Sept (Thu) Kushmanda Yellow 

Day 5 26 Sept (Fri) Skandamata Green 

Day 6 27 Sept (Sat) Katyayani Grey 

Day 7 28 Sept (Sun) Kalaratri Orange 

Day 8 29 Sept (Mon) Mahagauri Peacock Green 

Day 9 30 Sept (Tue) Siddhidatri / Durga Ashtami Pink 

Then the festival concludes with Vijayadashami / Dussehra on 2 October. 

Rituals & Puja Vidhi for Kalash Sthapana

Here is a general procedure followed during Kalash Sthapana. Regional variations exist.

1. Cleaning & Purification: Clean the house, especially the area where the Kalash will be placed. Take a bath and wear clean clothes.

2. Kalash Setup:

Take a pot (often copper or metal), fill it with water.

Place mango leaves around the mouth of the pot.

On top, place a coconut wrapped in red cloth.

Often draw a swastika or other auspicious symbols on the Kalash or around its place.

Barley grains or other “nine grains” (navadhanya) may be sown or placed nearby.

3. Invoke Deities: Pray to Ganesha first (remover of obstacles), then invite Goddess Durga. Recite mantras, chant Durga Saptashati or Devi Mahatmyam.

4. Offerings: Flowers, fruits, sweets (prasad), incense, lamp (diya), water, New Saree etc.

5. Aarti & Bhakti: Perform aarti, devotional singing.

6. Observance: Fasting or vrat according to family tradition; many follow strict satvic diet; some fast completely, some take special foods.

Cultural & Spiritual Meanings

Symbolism of purity, renewal, protection and the victory of good over evil.

The festival also fosters self-discipline (through fasting), devotion, community bonding.

It is also a time for inner reflection — invoking qualities embodied by the different forms of Durga (strength, courage, compassion, wisdom etc.).

Key Takeaways

Navratri 2025 (Shardiya) begins with Kalash Sthapana on Monday, 22 September 2025.

It is a deeply symbolic ritual marking the physical and spiritual preparation for the nine nights of worship.

Observing the rituals properly (especially timing, purity, offerings) is believed to bring the blessings of Goddess Durga.

The Legend behind Navratri

The legend behind Navratri is rooted in the victory of good over evil. According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Mahishasura gained immense power through a boon and began to create chaos in the three worlds. None of the gods were able to defeat him, so they combined their divine energies to create Goddess Durga, the supreme power.

Armed with celestial weapons, Maa Durga fought a fierce battle against Mahishasura for nine nights and ten days. On the tenth day, she finally slew him, symbolizing the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (evil).

Thus, Navratri is celebrated for nine days, honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga, and the tenth day is observed as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, marking the victory of good over evil.