Chaitra Navratri, also known as Vasant Navratri, is an important nine -day Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, collectively known as Navdurga. This festival marks the beginning of Hindu New Year in various regions and is seen with great devotion throughout India.
Date and period
In 2025, Chaiti Navratri will begin on 30 March and end on 7 April. Each day is dedicated to a separate expression of Goddess Durga, which has been performed to honor her various forms with specific rituals and prayers.
Importance
Chaitra Navratri has deep importance because it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. It is believed that during this period, Goddess Durga descends to Earth to erase a man and restore righteousness. This festival also matches with Rama Navami, which is celebrated on the ninth day, marking the birth of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Ghatasthapana (Kalash Stopana) Muhurat
This festival begins with Ghatasthapana, a ritual that reflects the call of Goddess Durga. In 2025, the auspicious time for Ghatasthapana is from 6:13 am to 10:22 pm on March 30. This ritual involves installing a holy pot (kalash) filled with water, which is a symbol of the universe, and is placed on a soil bed with barley seeds. The urn is beautified with mango leaves and a coconut, which represents prosperity and fertility.
Daily puja schedule and related colors
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific form of Goddess Durga and a special color that holds unique importance:
Day 1 (March 30, 2025) – Shailputri Puja (Orange): Worshiping the devotees worship the shelputry, symbolizes purity and nature. The color represents orange heat and energy.
Day 2 (31 March, 2025) – Brahmacharini Puja (White): Goddess Brahmacharini is a symbol of penance and devotion, has been honored. White indicates peace and purity.
99pandit.com
Day 3 (April 1, 2025) – Chandraghant Puja (Lal): Worship of Goddess Chandraghant, symbol of bravery. Red refers to passion and strength.
Day 4 (April 2, 2025) – Kushmanda Puja (Royal Blue): Devotees prayed to Goddess Kushmanda, believed that the universe has been built. The royal blue is a symbol of divine energy.
Day 5 (April 3, 2025) – Skandmata Puja (Yellow): Goddess Skandamata, the mother, is worshiped. Yellow represents joy and cheerful.
Day 6 (April 4, 2025) – Katyani Puja (green): Devotees were respected, Goddess Katyani, a warrior Devi. Green indicates growth and peace.
Day 7 (April 5, 2025) – Kalari Puja (Gray): Worship of Goddess Kalari, which destroys ignorance and darkness. Gray reflects balance and neutrality.
Day 8 (April 6, 2025) – Mahagauri Puja (Purple): Goddess Mahagauri is a symbol of purity and peace, has been honored. Purple represents ambition and peace.
Day 9 (April 7, 2025) – Siddhidati Puja and Ram Navami (Peacock Green): Devotees worship Godes Siddhidati, Grantter of supernatural powers, and celebrate the birth of Lord Rama. Peacock indicates green compassion and
Pooja Vidhi (ritual)
During Navratri, devotees follow various rituals to search for the blessings of Goddess Durga:
Fasting: Many devotees observe fasting, consume only satuvic (pure) food such as fruits, milk and specific grains. This practice is considered to purify the mind and body.
Daily Puja: Special prayers and Aarti are performed daily, focusing on the special form of the goddess attached to each day.
Kanya Pujan: On Ashtami (eighth day) or Navami (ninth day), young girls with nine forms of Durga are worshiped. They are offered prasad (holy food), new clothes and gifts, which are in the form of respect and traces of devotion.
indianody.in
Celebrations across India
Chaitra Navratri is celebrated with different customs in different regions:
Northern India: Devotees organized Jagran (devotional singing overnight) and Ramayana recitation. The temples are decorated with lights and flowers, and fairs are placed in many places.
Maharashtra: The festival coincides with Gudi Padwa, marking the new year. People decorate their homes with rangoli (colored patterns) and enhance Goody (a decorated pole) as a symbol of prosperity.
Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka: Celebrated as Ugadi, it represents the New Year with rituals that include oil baths, special food, and cultural performances.
(This article means only for your general information. Zee News does not pledge for its accuracy or credibility.)
