Shakambhari Navratri 2025: Dates, Significance and Puja Vidhi

Shakambhari Navratri is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Shakambhari, a revered manifestation of Goddess Durga who protected mankind from famine and hunger. Celebrated during the month of Paush, this Navratri represents nature, nourishment, prosperity and divine protection. In 2025, it will be celebrated with deep devotion across many regions of India.

Shakambhari Navratri 2025: Dates and Timings

According to the Hindu Panchang, Shakambhari Navratri 2025 will begin on 28 December 2025 and conclude on 3 January 2026. Shakambhari Jayanti will also be observed on the concluding day.

Event	Date
Beginning of Shakambhari Navratri	28 December 2025
End of Shakambhari Navratri / Shakambhari Jayanti	3 January 2026
Banda Ashtami (Paush Shukla Ashtami)	28 December 2025
Paush Purnima	3 January 2026

As per the Panchang, the Paush Shukla Ashtami tithi will begin at 1:09 PM on 27 December and end at 11:59 AM on 28 December. This marks the auspicious beginning of the festival.

How Shakambhari Navratri Differs from Other Navratris

There are four Navratris observed in a year, yet Shakambhari Navratri holds a unique identity among them. Unlike other Navratris that begin on Shukla Pratipada, this one commences on Paush Shukla Ashtami and lasts until Paush Purnima.
Generally observed for eight days, the duration may extend to seven or nine days depending on lunar calculations. Since it begins on Banda Ashtami, it is considered particularly auspicious.

The Spiritual Form of Goddess Shakambhari

Goddess Shakambhari is worshipped as the divine source of vegetation and nourishment. It is believed that when famine struck the Earth, she manifested fruits, vegetables and grains from her own being to sustain all living creatures.
In sacred imagery, she is depicted surrounded by green foliage symbolising fertility, prosperity and life. Her worship reminds humanity of its spiritual and ecological connection with nature.

Puja Vidhi and Ritual Observances

During Shakambhari Navratri, devotees begin their day with an early bath and wear clean clothes before performing the rituals. Many observe fasts, chant mantras and worship the goddess by offering a red chunri and the traditional sixteen adornments (Solah Shringar).

Fruits, vegetables and green leaves are offered to the goddess along with recitation of the Durga Saptashati and the evening aarti.
A notable ritual involves sowing barley seeds in an earthen pot and sprinkling water for eight days, symbolising fertility and renewal of life.

Devotees refrain from consuming tamasic food and avoid negative behaviour during the entire period. In many temples, special pujas, abhishekams and community prayers are organised.
In Karnataka, the goddess is worshipped as Banashankari Devi and Banda Ashtami is observed with great reverence. The festival is celebrated with devotion in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

Message of Gratitude towards Nature

Beyond devotion, the festival is also a reminder to live in harmony with nature. It inspires reverence towards food, vegetation and the elements that sustain life.
Worship of Goddess Shakambhari encourages ecological awareness and expresses gratitude for the gifts of the Earth, reflecting the eternal bond between humanity and the natural world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When does Shakambhari Navratri begin in 2025?
Shakambhari Navratri will begin on 28 December 2025 and conclude on 3 January 2026.

Who is Goddess Shakambhari?
She is the goddess of vegetation and nourishment who ended famine on Earth through her divine grace.

How is Shakambhari Navratri celebrated?
Devotees perform puja, observe fasts, recite Durga Saptashati and offer fruits, vegetables and green leaves to the goddess.

Which parts of India observe this festival prominently?
It is celebrated with great devotion in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

What is the core message of Shakambhari Navratri?
The festival inspires gratitude towards nature and reminds humanity of its duty to protect and respect the environment.