By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
Navratri 2025 A Grand Festival Uniting All Through Rituals, Colors, Regional Traditions and Social Dialogue
Across India, Navratri 2025 will be celebrated with energy, devotion and jubilation from Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 1. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) arrives on Thursday, October 2, symbolizing Navratri’s spiritual climax and the start of something new. Each day is associated with a unique form of the Goddess, a particular color and specific rituals. Sharad Navratri fills temples with the sound of bells, homes with sacred pots and communities with collective prayers.
Day | Date | Name of Goddess | Auspicious Color | Main Rituals and Customs |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 22 Sep | Shailputri | White | Kalash Sthapana, Purification, Worship of the sacred vessel |
2 | 23 Sep | Brahmacharini | Red | Deepdan, meditation stories of the Goddess |
3 | 24 Sep | Chandraghanta | Royal Blue | Bell and conch rituals, ceremonial chariots |
4 | 25 Sep | Kushmanda | Yellow | Flower offerings, special sweets |
5 | 26 Sep | Skandamata | Green | Child blessing rituals, fruit offerings |
6 | 27 Sep | Katyayani | Grey | Kanya Pujan, tying protective cords |
7 | 28 Sep | Kalaratri | Orange | Tantric worship, night vigil |
8 | 29 Sep | Mahagauri | Peacock Green | Gauri adornment, married women’s worship |
9 | 30 Sep | Siddhidatri | Pink | Purnahuti, Kanya feast, special pujas |
10 | 1 Oct | Parana/Visarjan | - | Immersion of idol, household havans |
11 | 2 Oct | Vijayadashami | - | Weapon worship, Ramleela, Ravan effigy burning, public joy |
Read more on the 9 Goddess forms of Durga here.
Navratri literally means “nine nights.” But its spirit is much vaster. The worship of the Goddess’s nine forms starts a new life-cycle in Indian communities, blending energy, devotion and creativity. Every age group children, elders, youth immerses fully, feeling a pan-Indian unity that transcends all lines, languages and castes.
Navratri’s form may change from state to state but the emotion is one:
In Gujarat, Garba and Dandiya are potent prayers through dance and song. Dazzling costumes, drumbeats and thousands of people make Gujarat the most exuberant Navratri destination. Garba is both inspiration and devotion and its musical circles uplift the spirit.
Temples hold Kavadi parades and community hymn singing at night. Fast foods like sabudana vada, thalipeeth and coconut sweets combine taste and devotion. Music and food unite generations.
Navratri is Durga Puja here: unique thematic pandals, classic and modern subjects, depictions of legends and current issues, with communal involvement. Sindoor Khela and immersion ceremonies highlight social inclusivity.
Temple tableaux, Ramleela, group readings and fairs mark North Indian observance. Many fast all nine days, some on select days and through dramatic performances, values of discipline are shared.
Multi-level Golu displays of deities and legends fill homes. Women and girls organize hymns, dances and invite neighbors to prasad, strengthening social bonds.
Punjab worships young girls, Rajasthan celebrates with animal worship and feasts, while the Himalayas host ascetics in deep spiritual discipline.
Two main Navratris occur annually Sharad (Ashwin) and Chaitra (spring). Sharad Navratri awakens devotion and spiritual energy; Chaitra signals new beginnings and renewal.
Discover the divine symbolism of the 10 armed Goddess Durga here.
Navratri resounds as a call for dignity, unity, diversity and aspiration. Whether through dance, meditation, stories or fasting, the festival glows with collective spirit.
"We are many and our greatest unity and strength is right there."
It lasts Monday, September 22 to Wednesday, October 1 and Dussehra is Thursday, October 2.
Each day is associated with a goddess and color shown in the table above.
Gujarat (Garba, Dandiya), Bengal (Durga Puja), South India (Golu), Maharashtra (Bhajan, Kavadi), Rajasthan (folk dance), Himalayas (meditation).
No. It is also a festival of community, culture, economy, family, diligence and engaging in dialogue.
Digital Garba, online aartis, video-call bhajans new India’s Navratri links the whole world.
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