Chaitra Navratri 2025: Date, Significance & Rituals

Navratri is a festival of nine days dedicated to Goddess Durga. The article will headline the important details and complete puja vidhi to perform during Navratri puja 2025. The upcoming Chaitra Navratri 2025 holds special importance among devotees.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 is a Hindu festival that falls in the month of March or April. It is celebrated in India, mostly in two Navratri festivals, Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri falls in the spring season and starts from the first day of the ritual around March or April. According to the Vikram Samwat calendar, it is the beginning of the Hindu new year. The rest of the details regarding Navratri celebrations will be discussed in the below sections.

Chaitra Navratri 2025: Dates & Days

Chaitra Navratri 2025 is believed to be the auspicious ritual for the Hindus and the best time to seek blessings from the deity. This is the right way to promote spiritual and material well-being.

The festival is celebrated by keeping fast for 9 days and reciting hymns, light diyas, and honouring the Goddess. The first day starts with the Ghatsthapana (Kalash Sthapana). Ghatsthapana ritual is the same for both Shardiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 will be observed on March 30, 2025, and completed on April 7, 2025.

See the Chaitra Navratri 2025 Dates and Days breakdown:

Day	Date	Navratri Day	Puja Conducted
Chaitra Navratri Day 1	30 March 2025	Pratipada	Maa Shailputri Puja, Ghatasthapana 2025
Chaitra Navratri Day 2	31 March 2025	Dvitiya, Tritiya	Maa Brahmacharini Puja, Maa Chandraghanta Puja
Chaitra Navratri Day 3	1 April 2025	Chaturthi	Maa Kushmanda Puja
Chaitra Navratri Day 4	2 April 2025	Panchami	Maa Skandamata Puja
Chaitra Navratri Day 5	3 April 2025	Shashti	Maa Katyayani Puja
Chaitra Navratri Day 6	4 April 2025	Saptami	Maa Kalaratri Puja
Chaitra Navratri Day 7	5 April 2025	Ashtami	Maa Mahagauri Puja
Chaitra Navratri Day 8	6 April 2025	Navami	Maa Siddhidatri Puja, Ram Navami
Chaitra Navratri Day 9	7 April 2025	Dashami	Navratri Parana

The festival is observed to honour the divine energy and nine forms of the Goddess. People find happiness in their true selves by performing meditation. The Ghatsthapana vidhi is performed to set up the holy pot.

Auspicious Dates and Muhurat for Ghatasthapana

Auspicious muhurta to perform the Ghatsthapana is the third day of the current Pratipada. Customs should be performed at the time of Abhijit Muhurat and also when the deadline is skipped for whatever causes.

During Chaitra Navratri 2025, 48 min window time in between the day called Abhijit muhuat is fortunate. Among 15 muhurats, it is the 8th that happened between dawn and dusk.

Many people consider the time fortunate for starting new investment happenings and removing various karma doshas.

Brahma Muhurat

Since the Choghadiya Muhurat should be avoided during Ghatasthapana, it is crucial for the devotees to look for the Chogadiya while conducting the Ghatasthapana. If the Dwi-Swabhav Lagna Kanya is in power at dawn on Shardiya Navratri, it is fortunate to do Ghatasthapana. After 16 Ghatis pass after sunrise, at night, or at noon, Ghathastapnan is prohibited.

Ghatsthapana (Kalash Sthapana) Puja Rituals

Ghatstahanapa, referred to as Kalash sthapana, is a great medium to adhere to good health, money, and luck. As Chaitra Navratri comes in March or April, many of the people perform Ghatsthapana at home in offices. The ritual is one of the prominent customs observed during Navratri.

On the starting day of custom, Kalash sthapana is performed to show its commencement. Barely seeds are used to keep in Kalash during Kalash stahapana with holy water.

Followers perform the tradition only with the instruction of an experienced pandit. 99Pandit offers a knowledgeable or well-versed pandit to help you with Ghatsthapana.

However, the following rituals are required to be performed for Ghatsthapana.

• Get up early in the morning and take a shower.
• Clean the Kalash clean as well as the place. Cleanse the idol as well. 
• Keep a red cloth on a wooden chowki, and recite the mantras to invoke Lord Ganesha. Put some amount of raw rice on a red cloth.
• Add some amount of water to the Kalash.
• Make an auspicious symbol of a swastika on the Kalash using vermillion paste. Tie Mauli (a holy thread) covering the neck of the Kalash later.
• Keep some mango leaves in the Kalash and add betel nuts and coins, too.
• Envelop a coconut in a red cloth with the help of holy thread. Keep it on the top of Kalash and invoke the Goddess.
• Present flowers to the Gods and honour them with complete devotion.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri 2025

Chaitra Navratri, the start of the Hindu New Year, is connected with a story. The story behind the festival is the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, indicating the triumph of good over bad. The 9-day festival concludes with the Ram Navami celebration marking Lord Ram’s birth.

Lord Ram is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and gives an extra layer of devotion to the festival. The celebration is linked with the spring season, a time of starting new things, both spiritual and in nature.

Chaitra Navratri is a festival of 9-days devoted to Goddess Durga and her nine multiple forms every day. Every day is commemorated with unique customs, devotion, and colours. It’s a time of spiritual beginnings, fasting, and vibrant observation around numerous parts of India.

People believed that worshipping Goddess Durga’s nine forms represented many aspects of divine feminine strengths. The nine forms are Shaila Putri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.

It is the right time to start a new venture, especially in North or Western India. People think it’s an ideal time to make investments, personal growth, and new startups. Multiple people begin their businesses or homes during such a period, thought to be an auspicious time.

Stories and Legends Behind the Navratri Festival

The story associated with the Navratri celebration is that Goddess Durga killed the demon Mahishasura. The legend known for the Navratri celebration tells of the great war between Mahishasura and Goddess Durga.

The demon had a boon received from Lord Brahma with immortality under one condition that he will be defeated only by a woman. Blessed with immortality and confidence, demons attacked the trilok -earth, heaven, and hell.

As only a woman can kill him, even the Gods did not take a chance against him. The feared gods prayed to lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to seek help to defeat the Mahishasura.

How was Goddess Durga Incarnated?

Seeing the helpless gods, Lord Vishnu decided to incarnate a woman, including all of God’s and Goddesses’ power to defeat the demon. As per the Lord Brahma’s boon, only a woman can kill him. Now, Lord Shiva (god of destruction), gods came to Lord Shiva to seek help.

Late,r lord Shiva and Brahma merged all their powers together in the form of a woman lord Vishnu incarnated to kill Mahishasura. It is considered that Goddess Durga is the rebirth of Goddess Parvati (consent of Lord Shiva).

The three powerful gods -Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh created the Goddess Durga; she fought with the demon Mahishura for 15 long days. The war surprised Trilok.

During the war, the demon kept changing his form to mislead the Devi Durga. Basically, when the demon took the form of a buffalo, Goddess Durga immediately attacked his chest with her weapon, ‘Trishul,’ to kill him.

How does the Navratri celebration start?

Hence, to celebrate the victory of the Goddess on demon power, the Navratri festival started to be observed around the world. Every day multiple nine forms of Devi are worshipped in different parts of India.

The first day is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri; the second is to Goddess Brahmacharini; the third day to Goddess Chandraghanta; the fourth day is to Goddess Kushmanda; fifth day to Goddess Skandamata; sixth day Goddess Katyayni; seventh day is Goddess Kaalratri; the eighth day Goddess Mahagauri and on the last day people pay homage to Goddess Siddhidatri.

In a few parts of the world, people keep fast during the nine days of Navratri to please the Goddess. And on the last day, puja is completed with Kanya puja and havan.

Traditions and Modern Practices of Chaitra Navratri 2025

Devotees perform the ritual following a few practices every day:

1. Fasting

Many people observe strict fasting during the nine days of Navratri, either avoiding certain foods or only consuming fruits, vegetables, and dairy materials. Fasting is the way to cleanse your soul and body.

2. Puja and customs

People perform special offerings and prayers in temples and houses every day. A special scripture read ‘Durga Saptashati or Chandi path’ chanted to seek blessings from the divine.

3. Kanya puja

Numerous Hindus perform kanya puja on the 8th day, where young age girls are considered the form of Goddess and called to the home for offerings. People present the girls with sweets, money, and new clothes.

4. Rama Navami celebrations

The final day of the Navratri celebration is completed with Ram Navami celebrations with special prayer offerings, homam, and processions. People consider the day as the birth of Lord Ram and observe it with joy through bhajans and religious songs.

5. Garba and dandiya

At many places, people perform Garba and Dandiya to make the festival joyful. People more commonly perform Garba and Dandiya during Shardiya Navratri in regions such as Gujarat and Maharashtra.

But during Chaitra, Navratri also experienced these vibrant customs. People come together in large groups or dance to traditional music.

Rituals of Chaitra Navratri 2025

Invoking the powerful goddess Durga required to follow the steps appropriately during Navratri Puja:

1. Place a holy Kalash on the place of puja on the first day of Navratri puja. Put it in the corner of the house. 
2. Blow an Akhand Jyoti or everlasting flame of a traditional ghee lamp on day 1 of puja.
3. People consider barley seeds as the first crop of the establishment, planted as part of the puja. Furthermore, the first crop of spring.
4. The puja begins with meditation and invocation, known as Dhyana and Avahana. Reciting the mantra and performing the Avahan Mudra invites Goddess Durga.
5. Next comes Arghya Samarpan (offering fragrant water), Padya Prakshalana (washing feet), and Asana (giving a seat).
6. Achamana is offered first to purify the god, followed by Snana (bath) and Vastra (clothing offering).
7. Then, Kajal, Chandan (sandalwood), Roli (kumkum), and Abhushana (jewellery) are offered. 
8. Rice (Akshata), Sugandhita Dravya (fragrance), Haridra (turmeric), and Saubhagya Sutra (lucky thread) are among the offerings offered at Mangal Dravyarpana.
9. First are flowers (Pushpanjali) and Bilvapatra, followed by food (Naivedya), fruits (Rituphala), coconut (Nikela), betel leaves (Tambula), and incense (Dhoop).
10. Before and after Kanya Pujan, the Goddess receives gifts called Dakshina.
11. The ceremony concludes with Nirajan (aarti), Pradakshina (circumambulation), and Kshamapan (asking for pardon for mistakes). 
12. Chant the Durga saptashati path during the nine days of Navratri. The book is the story of the victory of Goddess Durga over demons, which means followers invoke blessings.
13. Kanya puja is the essential part of the custom of adhering to the divine mother. Feed them Halwa, Puri, and black gram. Also, present their gifts and money.

Difference between Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri

Generally, 2 Navratri pujas are celebrated in a year – one is Chaitra Navratri, which comes in March-April, and the second is Shardiya Navratri, which comes in September-October. Chaitra Navratri customs are the same as Shardiya Navratri. Even the Ghatsthapana or puja vidhi for both Navratri are similar.

Instead of months that Navratri comes, the difference between Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri is that the former falls in Chaitra month, indicating the beginning of the new year to start new ventures or something else.

While fasting, devotees adore the Goddess Durga in all nine of her manifestations. Some followers of Nirjala even refrain from drinking water during the fast. Devotees only eat fresh fruits, milk, and water during the falahar. People refrain from eating garlic and onions for these nine days.

Worship of Goddess and Devi Mantras Each Day

Chaitra Navratri observance, people please the many forms of Goddess Durga. Generally, devotees please the nine forms of Goddess Durga, known as Navdurga, during Chaitra and Sharad Navratri.

And on Gupt Navratri people worship 10 forms of Goddess every show a unique part of the divine feminine energy.

9 forms of Devi and Mantras for Each day

DAY 1:
Pratipada, Maa Shailputri (the daughter of the mountains indicating strength.)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ शैलपुत्री देव्यै नमः।

Date: 30 March 2025, Sunday

DAY 2:
Dwitiya, Maa Brahmacharini (the ascetic showing devotion)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः।

Date: 31 March 2025, Monday

DAY 3:
Tritiya, Maa Chandraghanta (the fearless goddess with a curved moon)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः।

Date: 1 April 2025, Tuesday

DAY 4:
Chaturthi, Maa Kushmanda (creator of universe, driving positivity)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ कूष्माण्डायै नमः।

Date: 2 April 2025, Wednesday

DAY 5:
Panchami, Maa Skandamata (the foster mother of Kartikeya)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ स्कन्दमातायै नमः।

Date: 3 April 2025, Thursday

DAY 6:
Shashti, Maa Katyayani (fierce form created to defeat evil)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ कात्यायन्यै नमः।

Date: 4 April 2025, Friday

DAY 7:
Saptami, Maa Kalaratri (eradicator of negativity)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ कालरात्र्यै नमः।

Date: 5 April 2025, Saturday

DAY 8:
Ashtami, Maa Mahagauri (shining goddess indicating peace and purity)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ महागौर्यै नमः।

Date: 6 April 2025, Sunday

DAY 9:
Navami, Maa Siddhidatri (giver of supernatural energies)

Mantra: ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे ॐ सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः।

Date: 7 April 2025, Monday

Fasting Tips for Festival

Here are some tips that need to be considered while fasting during Navratri to stay healthy and energized.

1. Plan your meals in advance – pre-plan your meals to make sure having the right diet to keep your energy level consistent. Consume fruits, water, nuts, and healthy ingredients such as kuttu flour, singhara flour, and sabudana, hence arranging quick and healthy meals during your day.

2. Stay hydrated – this is important to drink enough water to keep hydrated yourself. You can have fluids like coconut water, lemon water, and buttermilk to detoxify your body and enhance digestion.

3. Opt for light and nutrient-dense food – consume light and nutritious foods to maintain energy levels during fasting, apart from heavy oily and fried foods.

4. Eat small meals at regular intervals – rather than eating all at once, eat frequent meals to make your metabolism strong every 3-4 hours for a stable blood sugar level.

Special Recipes for Navratri Fasting

Following are recipes you can prepare to make your fasting healthy and tasty.

• Sabudana khichdi recipe
• Sama chawal khichdi
• Kuttu / buckwheat khichdi 
• Samak rice pulao
• Sabudana thalipeeth recipe
• Rajgira roti
• Kuttu ka paratha
• Singhare ki puri
• Aloo-tamatar ki sabji
• Sabudana tikki
• Roasted makhana
• Banana chips
• Potato chips

Spiritual Benefits of Chaitra Navratri Fasting

Observing fasting during Chaitra Navratri gives spiritual benefits to devotees to live a happy and healthy life. Check them below:

• It boosts consciousness and happiness as it lowers mental disorders and stress.
• According to an Ayurveda study, fasting rejuvenates the digestive fire.
• Enhancement in the digestive fire signals the body’s toxins.
• When the body removes its poison, it regains energy and eliminates dullness and exhaustion.
• Regeneration of every cell in the body.
• Fasting is a proven way of sanctifying our bodies.
• The mind and body relax and find peace because they are intimately connected. Cleansing the body also calms the mind.

Conclusion

Chaitra Navratri 2025 is the period to show, renew, and cherish the divine feminine power. It’s a time when one devotes themselves to spiritual growth, scaling their actions with the divine indicated by the Goddess incarnations.

Whether you are keeping fast, praying or involved in cultural activities, Chaitra Navratri provides a perfect chance to improve your spiritual and religious life.

The colours play an important role in seeking particular energies, as always, making the festival not only a time for pleasing but a celebration of energy and life itself.