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Navratri 2025 will be celebrated from Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 1. The festival will conclude with Dussehra on Thursday, October 2.
Navratri 2025: The nine-day festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, who won after destroying Mahishasura. (Image: Shutterstock)
Navratri, a vibrant and cherished festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is celebrated with immense enthusiasm across India. Spanning nine days, it symbolises the triumph of good over evil. During this auspicious period, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga through prayers, fasting, and traditional Garba dances, often adorned in colourful attire.
This article delves into the details of Navratri 2025, including its start and end dates, daily schedules and auspicious timings. Additionally, we’ll explore the festival’s rituals, history, significance, fasting guidelines, dietary do’s and don’ts, the significance of colours to wear, and whether Navratri is observed as a bank holiday in India. We’ll also address frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive guide to this joyous celebration.
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Navratri 2025: Start And End Date
In 2025, Navratri will be celebrated from Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 1. The festival will conclude with Dussehra on Thursday, October 2.
Navratri 2025: Date Wise Schedule And Shubh Muhurats
Navratri festival will begin with Ghatasthapana on September 22.
Day 1 – September 22 (Monday): Maa Shailputri
Ghatasthapana Muhurat – 06:27 AM to 08:16 AM
Ghatasthapana Abhijit: 12:07 PM – 12:55 PM
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Day 2 – September 23 (Tuesday): Maa Brahmacharini
Brahma Muhurta: 04:35 AM – 05:22 AM
Abhijit: 11:49 AM – 12:37 PM
Day 3 – September 24 (Wednesday): Maa Chandraghanta
Brahma Muhurta: 04:35 AM – 05:23 AM
Godhuli Muhurta: 06:15 PM – 06:39 PM
Day 4 – September 25 (Thursday): Vinayaka Chaturthi
Muhurat – 11:18 AM to 01:42 PM
Day 5 – September 26 (Friday): Maa Kushmanda
Panchami Tithi Begins: 09:33 AM on September 26
Panchami Tithi Ends: 12:03 PM on September 27
Day 6 – September 27 (Saturday): Maa Skandamata
Brahma Muhurta: 04:36 AM – 05:24 AM
Abhijit: 11:48 AM – 12:36 PM
Day 7 – September 28 (Sunday): Maa Katyayani
Brahma Muhurta: 04:36 AM – 05:24 AM
Abhijit: 11:48 AM – 12:35 PM
Day 8 – September 29 (Monday): Maa Kalaratri
Mula Nakshatra Begins: 03:55 AM on September 29
Mula Nakshatra Ends: 06:17 AM on September 30
Day 9 – September 30: Maa Mahagauri
Durgashtami: Tuesday
Ashtami Tithi Begins: 04:31 PM on September 29
Ashtami Tithi Ends: 06:06 PM on September 30
Vijay Dasami or Dussehra is on October 1. Dashami Tithi starts at 7:01 PM and will end at 7:11 PM on October 2.
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Navratri 2025: Rituals
- During Navratri, various rituals are followed across regions and states. However, some rituals are commonly observed throughout the country.
- The festival begins with Ghatasthapana on the first day.
- People then worship the nine different forms of the Goddess throughout the 9-day festival.
- Many devotees also observe fast as part of the celebration to get blessings.
- In some regions, Dandiya and Garba are played to honour the Goddess.
- Wearing specific colours on each day of Navratri is a common tradition, as each colour represents a different quality of the Goddess.
- On the final day, Kanya Puja is held, where young girls are worshipped and offered food and gifts.
Navratri 2025: History
Mahishasura was a demon, who received a powerful blessing from Lord Brahma, due to which he became unbeatable by any man or god. After gaining this power, he became arrogant and started destroying everything.
After the gods were unable to stop him, they turned to Goddess Durga for help. She was created by combining the powers of all the gods. She fought Mahishasura for nine days and nights. In the end, she defeated him and this victory is celebrated during the festival of Navratri.
Navratri 2025: Significance
Navratri is a sacred festival for many Hindus, where people worship Goddess Durga. On each night, different forms of Goddess Durga are honoured. Devotees offer prayers and take blessings from the Goddess, who is believed to protect them and bring strength.
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Day Wise Colours & Significance
- September 22 (Day 1): White symbolizes purity and peace, it brings calmness while inviting blessings from the Goddess.
- September 23 (Day 2): Red represents love and the colour is offered to the Goddess.
- September 24 (Day 3): Wearing royal blue on 3rd day brings calmness to your Navratri celebrations and it also gives a touch of royalty.
- September 25 (Day 4): Choose yellow to spread happiness, as the colour can help lift your mood and bring happiness.
- September 26 (Day 5): Wear green to connect with nature. It symbolizes peace, growth and fresh starts.
- September 27 (Day 6): The grey colours help you stay grounded and calm during the festival.
- September 28 (Day 7): The bright and funky orange helps bring energy to the festival. The bright colour keeps your mood filled with positivity.
- September 29 (Day 8): This day belongs to peacock green, as it represents both freshness and kindness.
- September 30 (Day 9): Wear pink to show love and warmth. This colour makes you more approachable and adds charm to your personality.
Navratri 2025: How It Is Celebrated
- Navratri is celebrated in various ways across India and each region has their own unique customs.
- Worshipping the idol of Goddess Durga, fasting, and performing Garba and Dandiya are common.
- Devotees begin each day by praying to Ganesh before offering their prayers to Durga.
- People take her blessings so that the goddess protects and gives strength against challenges.
- In some regions, animal sacrifices are part of the tradition.
- Among all the states in India, people in Gujarat are known for their over-the-top celebrations, as everyone is dressed in traditional and vibrant attire.
Navratri 2025: Fasting Rules, What To Eat And Avoid
During Navratri fasting, it is important to follow a saatvik diet, which means one should avoid consuming food items like onion, garlic, wheat, rice, meat, eggs, fish and processed foods.
Instead, focus on eating fruits, vegetables, milk, buttermilk and foods made from ingredients like singhare ka atta and sabudana.
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should also be avoided.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain the purity, while ensuring you get the necessary nutrients and energy to stay healthy throughout the day.
Is Navratri A Bank Holiday In India?
None of the nine days of Navratri are considered bank holidays in India. However, certain regions may have local holidays or celebrations depending on the importance of the day in that area.
Navratri 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Navratri?
It is a Hindu festival that is celebrated for nine nights. It honours Goddess Durga and her nine forms, celebrating the victory of good over evil through fasting, prayers, dance and events.
What are the colours of Navratri 2025?
The colours for each day of Navratri 2025 are, White, Red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, orange, peacock green and pink.
Why Navratri is celebrated?
The nine-day festival celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga, who won after destroying Mahishasura.
How is Vijaya Dashami/Dussehra celebrated?
This day marks the end of Navratri, but It is an auspicious time to start something new.
How is Navratri celebrated in different regions of India?
In Northern India, people fast and pray. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Garba and Dandiya are the popular ways to celebrate the nine-day event. In Kolkata, Durga Puja is celebrated with giant pandals and cultural activities.