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With the festive season approaching, devotees of Maa Durga are gearing up to celebrate with devotion and splendour. Though four Navratris are observed each year, the Chaitra and Shardiya Navratris are considered the most significant. This year, Shardiya Navratri will be observed from Pratipada to Navami of Ashwin Shukla Paksha, dedicated to worshipping Maa Durga in her nine divine forms, known as the Navadurgas.

When is Shardiya Navratri 2025?

Navratri is usually observed for nine days, culminating in Dussehra or Vijayadashami. However, as per the Drik Panchang calendar, this year the festival will span an extra day, starting on September 22, 2025, and concluding on October 2, 2025. The extension comes because Pitru Paksha falls a day shorter this year, with the additional day being carried over to Navratri, making the celebrations longer than usual.

How Shardiya Navratri is celebrated

During Shardiya Navratri, devotees observe a series of rituals to worship Maa Durga and her nine divine forms. The celebrations begin with Ghatasthapana (installation of the Kalash) on Pratipada, followed by daily pujas dedicated to the Navadurgas. Fasting, chanting of mantras, and recitation of sacred texts like the Durga Saptashati form an integral part of the observance.

Each day is linked with a specific colour and form of the Goddess, with devotees performing Aarti, offering fruits and sweets, and observing Sandhi Puja on Ashtami. The festive spirit is further enhanced by Garba and Dandiya nights, where communities gather to dance in devotion. The celebrations culminate with Maha Navami rituals, Ayudha Puja, and Vijayadashami, signifying the ultimate victory of good over evil.