​Chaitra Navratri 2025: Dates, shubhmuhurat, rituals, significance, puja vidhi, how to please Goddess Durga

The month of Chaitra is dedicated to Jagat Janani Adishakti Maa Durga. Chaitra Navratri is celebrated in this month. This festival is celebrated from Pratipada Tithi to Navami Tithi of Shukla Paksha of Chaitra month. During this time, the goddess of the world, Maa Durga, and her nine forms are worshiped and worshipped. Along with this, Navratri fast is observed to increase happiness and good fortune.

There is a religious belief that by worshiping Jagat Janani Maa Durga, every wish of the devotee is fulfilled. Along with this, one gets freedom from all the troubles prevailing in life. Navratri begins with Kalash Sthapana on Pratipada Tithi. But do you know that devotees unknowingly make many mistakes at the time of Kalash Sthapana? Let us know everything about the Kalash Sthapana time of Chaitra Navratri (Chaitra Navratri 2025)-

Chaitra Navratri 2025 dates

Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, will begin on 30 March 2025 and conclude on 7 April 2025.

• March 30, 2025 - Pratipada (Ghatasthapana&Shailputri Puja)
• March 31, 2025 - Dwitiya (Brahmacharini Puja)
• April 1, 2025 - Tritiya (Chandraghanta Puja)
• April 2, 2025 - Chaturthi (Kushmanda Puja)
• April 3, 2025 - Panchami (Skandamata Puja)
• April 4, 2025 - Shashti (Katyayani Puja)
• April 5, 2025 - Saptami (Kalaratri Puja)
• April 6, 2025 - Ashtami (Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan)
• April 7, 2025 - Navami (Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami)

In many regions of India, the festival marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and culminates with Ram Navami, Lord Ram's birth anniversary, on the final day.

In autumn, Sharad Navratri is observed. This year, the October Navratri will begin on 22 September and end on 1 October. The festival concludes with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Significance of Chaitra Navratri

Chaitra Navratri is of immense spiritual and cultural importance. During these nine days, Goddess Durga is believed to descend to bless her devotees, helping them overcome obstacles and attain spiritual growth.

Each day is dedicated to a different form of Navadurga—the nine manifestations of Durga. This festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, much like Sharad Navratri, which occurs later in the year.

In addition to religious observance, Chaitra Navratri also aligns with the onset of spring, a season of renewal and prosperity. Devotees use this period for fasting, meditation, and self-discipline, seeking divine blessings for health, wealth, and happiness.

Rituals and Traditions of Chaitra Navratri

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana)

On the first day, devotees perform Ghatasthapana, a ritual involving the installation of a sacred pot (Kalash) representing the goddess.

Fasting and Worship

Many devotees observe Navratri fasting, consuming only satvik food like fruits, milk, and grains such as kuttu (buckwheat) and singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour).

Puja and Mantra Chanting

Each day, prayers and aarti are performed to honour a specific form of Goddess Durga, and sacred texts like the Durga Saptashati are recited.

Kanya Pujan

On the eighth or ninth day (Ashtami/Navami), young girls (symbolizing divine energy) are worshipped and offered food, clothes, and gifts.

Ram Navami Celebration

The festival concludes with Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram. Temples host grand celebrations, bhajans, and processions in his honor.

Regional Celebrations of Chaitra Navratri

• In North India, Chaitra Navratri is widely celebrated in states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana, with temples conducting special prayers.
• In Maharashtra, it coincides with Gudi Padwa, the Marathi New Year.
• In South India, it aligns with Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year.
• In West Bengal, it marks the start of preparations for Durga Puja later in the year.