Sharadiya Navratri 2025: Why Will It Be Celebrated for 10 Days This Year?
By Aparna Patni
This year due to rare tithi extension Navratri will last 10 days and Goddess Durga will arrive on an elephant
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Sharadiya Navratri 2025: Why Will It Be Celebrated for 10 Days This Year?
Sharadiya Navratri is one of the most sacred festivals of Hindu tradition. Devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga during these days and on the tenth day Vijayadashami is celebrated. It is regarded as a festival of devotion, discipline and spiritual purification.
This year Sharadiya Navratri will begin on Monday, 22 September 2025 and will conclude on Thursday, 2 October 2025 with Durga Visarjan and the celebration of Vijayadashami. The unique feature this year is that Navratri will last for 10 days. This is due to a special astrological coincidence relating to tithi.
Dates and Astrological Coincidence of Navratri 2025
| Date | Day | Ritual |
|---|---|---|
| 22 September 2025 | Monday | Ghatasthapana, Pratipada |
| 24-25 September 2025 | Wednesday-Thursday | Tritiya Tithi (occurs on two consecutive days) |
| 1 October 2025 | Wednesday | Mahanavami, Worship of Siddhidatri, Kanya Pujan, Havan |
| 2 October 2025 | Thursday | Dussehra, Vijayadashami, Durga Visarjan |
Because Tritiya Tithi falls on two days, Navratri will be observed for 10 days this year.
What does the extension of tithi indicate?
According to scriptures and astrologers, reduction of tithi during Navratri is considered inauspicious. Increase of tithi is regarded as very auspicious. It symbolizes prosperity, growth and auspicious events in the year to come.
Arrival of Goddess Durga on an Elephant
Another special sign this year is the arrival of Goddess Durga on an elephant (gajavahana). In traditional belief, the arrival of the Goddess on an elephant is seen as a sign of material abundance, happiness and overall progress.
Table: Vehicles of Goddess Durga and their meanings
| Vehicle | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Elephant | Prosperity, progress and well-being |
| Horse | Power, struggle and courage |
| Boat | Balance and success |
| Palanquin | Stability and peace |
The Spiritual Meaning of Nine Days
The scriptures narrate that Goddess Durga fought the battle with demon Mahishasura for nine days and attained victory on the tenth. Since then these nine days are dedicated to worship of her nine forms.
- Day 1: Shailaputri
- Day 2: Brahmacharini
- Day 3: Chandraghanta
- Day 4: Kushmanda
- Day 5: Skandamata
- Day 6: Katyayani
- Day 7: Kalaratri
- Day 8: Mahagauri
- Day 9: Siddhidatri
On the tenth day Vijayadashami is celebrated, also remembered as the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura.
Why is this year spiritually significant?
- Ten days of continuous devotion will bring deeper spiritual results.
- Extension of tithi is a sign of prosperity and auspiciousness.
- Arrival of the Goddess on an elephant ensures positive results for devotees.
- Rituals, meditation, fasting and chants performed in this period will have special strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When will Sharadiya Navratri 2025 begin?
A1: On Monday, 22 September 2025.
Q2: How many days will Navratri be this year?
A2: It will last for 10 days till 2 October 2025.
Q3: Why is the increase of tithi considered auspicious?
A3: Because it indicates prosperity, well-being and future growth.
Q4: On what vehicle will Goddess Durga arrive in 2025?
A4: She will arrive on an elephant which symbolizes prosperity and happiness.
Q5: Which forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped during Navratri?
A5: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri.
