Shardiya Navratri 2025 starts Monday, September 22, 2025, and ends Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The festival ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) Thursday, October 2, 2025.
These nine holy nights are dedicated to the worship of Maa Durga and her nine forms (called Navdurga). It is one of the biggest and most widely celebrated Hindu festivals andis honored all over the country with fasting, prayers, music, dance, and other cultural practices.
What is Shardiya Navratri?
Navratri means ‘nine nights,’ which is dedicated to goddess Durga. Shardiya Navratri occurs in the Hindu month of Ashwin during the months of September and October. It is also the start of the Sharad Ritu (autumn).
Of the four Navratris observed in the year, Shardiya Navratri is the most popular one. It symbolizes power and courage, as well as good’s victory over evil.
The Spiritual Significance
In Hindu mythology, Shardiya Navratri celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the demon Mahishasura. Gifted with a boon that no man or god was able to defeat him, Mahishasura appeared invincible. However, after nine days and nights of a fierce battle, Goddess Durga ultimately vanquished him.
This narrative serves as a timely reminder that evil may seem formidable, but can yield to faith and bravery. For those that practice devotion, these days also offer a time to reflect, purify the body and mind and invite positivity into one’s life.
The Nine Days of Navratri
Each of the nine days is dedicated to one form of the Goddess:
Day 1 (22 Sept) – Shailputri: The daughter of the Himalayas, symbol of strength and new beginnings.
Day 2 (23 Sept) – Brahmacharini: The goddess of penance and devotion, guiding us to self-discipline.
Day 3 (24 Sept) – Chandraghanta: The goddess of bravery and peace, with a crescent moon on her forehead.
Day 4 (25 Sept) – Kushmanda: Believed to be the creator of the universe with her divine smile.
Day 5 (26 Sept) – Skandamata: The mother of Lord Kartikeya, a symbol of love and motherly blessings.
Day 6 (27 Sept) – Katyayani: A warrior goddess, destroyer of evil forces.
Day 7 (28 Sept) – Kalaratri: The fierce form of Durga who removes darkness, fear, and negativity.
Day 8 (29 Sept) – Mahagauri: The goddess of purity, serenity, and compassion.
Day 9 (30 Sept) – Siddhidatri: She blesses devotees with wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual power.
The festival ends with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 2 October 2025, celebrating the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, another symbol of good conquering evil.
Rituals and Customs：
- Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): The observance begins with the establishment and installation of a Kalash filled with water, grains, and other sacred objects, symbolizing prosperity and the presence of the Goddess.
- Fasting: Devotees observe fasts in different forms and ways, from those who only eat fruit and milk to those observing a fast – whether strict or moderate – who might have a lightweight vegetarian meal in which onion, garlic, and grains are not practiced.
- Kanya Pujan: On the eighth or ninth day, young girls are honored in reverence to Goddess Durga. Young girls are offered food and small gifts, and blessed.
- Garba and Dandiya: In Gujarat and Maharashtra, festive evenings are celebrated with traditional dance and music.
- Durga Puja: In West Bengal and Eastern India, Shardiy Navratri may coincide with Durga Puja, deemed special not least for the grandeur of the pandals and beautifully crafted idols, and performances of cultural programs.
Food for Navratri
Navratri fasting brings its own food culture. Rather than eating the regular grains, worshipers are allowed to eat specialty grains; sabudana (tapioca), kuttu (buckwheat), singhara (water chestnut), and rajgira (amaranth).
Some common fasting items are:
- Sabudana Khichdi – a light and filling dish made of tapioca pearls cooked with peanuts and spices.
- Kuttu ki Puri – made of buckwheat flour commonly served with aloo sabzi.
- Singhara Halwa – made of water chestnut flour
- Rajgira laddoo – sweet energy balls made of amaranth.
- Fruit salads and dishes made with milk.
- They are simple, healthy, and good for energy needed to fast.
Festivities Across India
- Northern India: Temples and houses illuminate with prayers, Ram Lila is staged, and Dussehra fairs are held.
- West Bengal: Navratri is celebrated in the form of Durga Puja featuring intricate idols, stunning pandals, and performances.
- Gujarat and Maharashtra: Express sparking Garba and Dandiya Raas where everyone meets nightly in traditional attire.
- Southern India: Families celebrate with Bommai Kolu (steps using dolls) and meet together to celebrate devotion.
Shardiya Navratri 2025: A Celebration of Commitment and Power
From Friday, September 22, to Saturday, September 30, 2025, millions of worshippers will join together with love, discipline, and joy during the nine nights of the festival. The festival reminds us that when we remain positive, disciplined, and in connection with God, we can overcome all obstacles, just as Goddess Durga did when she defeated Mahishasura.
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