RNS: Across India, devotees welcomed Sharadiya Navratri 2025, the grand festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. This year, the festival is special — it will be observed for ten days instead of the usual nine, concluding on October 2 with Vijayadashami.
What’s Special This Year
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Navratri 2025 begins on September 22.
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The festival is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
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Though traditionally nine nights, this year it spans ten days due to a rare calendar alignment.
Daily Worship – Nine Forms of Maa Durga
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Day 1 – Maa Shailputri: Worshipped as the daughter of the Himalayas, symbolising purity and strength.
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Day 2 – Maa Brahmacharini: Embodiment of penance and devotion, blessing seekers with wisdom and virtue.
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Day 3 – Maa Chandraghanta: Known for bravery and valor, she removes negativity and fear.
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Day 4 – Maa Kushmanda: Creator of the universe, symbol of energy, health, and prosperity.
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Day 5 – Maa Skandamata: Worshipped as the mother of Lord Kartikeya, she blesses with joy and peace.
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Day 6 – Maa Katyayani: Fierce warrior form of Durga, invoked for strength and courage.
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Day 7 – Maa Kalaratri: Fierce protector, remover of darkness and evil forces.
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Day 8 – Maa Mahagauri: Symbol of serenity and purity, granting relief from past sins and sufferings.
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Day 9 – Maa Siddhidatri: Bestower of spiritual wisdom, power, and fulfilment of wishes.
Rituals & Traditions
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The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, invoking divine energy into homes and temples.
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Devotees observe fasts, light lamps (jyots), chant mantras, and perform daily aarti.
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Each day has a symbolic colour that devotees wear, aligning with the goddess of the day.
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Families prepare traditional bhog and offer it to the goddess before partaking.
Festive Vibes Across India
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Markets and Streets: Bursting with flowers, chunaris, idols, and festive décor.
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Temples: Decked up with lights and colours, with special arrangements for heavy crowds.
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Cultural Events: Evenings filled with Garba, Dandiya, devotional songs, and community gatherings.
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Food Restrictions: In several temple towns, only vegetarian food is permitted during the festival period.
Significance
Sharadiya Navratri celebrates the divine feminine power and the victory of good over evil. The extra day this year is seen as a special blessing, offering devotees more time to pray, reflect, and celebrate in devotion and joy.
Sharadiya Navratri 2025: Day-Wise Colours & Significance
Day 1 – | Maa Shailputri | White
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Symbolises purity, peace, and new beginnings.
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Devotees wear white and offer cow’s ghee for strength and health.
Day 2 – | Maa Brahmacharini | Red
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Signifies energy, passion, and devotion.
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Devotees offer sugar to seek long life and virtue.
Day 3 – | Maa Chandraghanta | Royal Blue
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Represents bravery, calmness, and protection.
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Milk and sweets made of milk are offered to remove negativity.
Day 4 – | Maa Kushmanda | Yellow
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Stands for cheer, happiness, and positivity.
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Offering of malpua or pumpkin is believed to bring prosperity.
Day 5 – | Maa Skandamata | Green
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Symbol of fertility, growth, and harmony.
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Devotees offer bananas to bless the family with health and strength.
Day 6 – | Maa Katyayani | Grey
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Associated with transformation, strength, and courage.
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Honey is offered for relief from suffering and to attract blessings.
Day 7 – | Maa Kalaratri | Orange
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Symbolises fiery energy and destruction of evil.
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Jaggery or sweets made of jaggery are offered for protection.
Day 8 – | Maa Mahagauri | Peacock Green
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Represents compassion, serenity, and purity.
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Devotees offer coconut for forgiveness and relief from sins.
Day 9 – | Maa Siddhidatri | Pink
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Colour of love, harmony, and kindness.
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Til (sesame) is offered for spiritual power and fulfilment of desires.
Day 10 – | Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
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Celebrated with the colour Blue or Festive Attire, symbolising victory of good over evil.
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Effigies of Ravana are burnt, marking Lord Rama’s triumph.
