Navaratri 2025: The Rare 11-Day Navaratri
On September 16, 2025Navaratri is a nine-day festival that worships the nine forms of Maa Durga. Celebrated in various parts of India, Navratri is held twice a year, during the spring, known as Chaitra Navratri, and during autumn, referred to as Sharad Navratri. Both these are celebrated based on the lunar calendar, with Maha Navratri or Sharad Navratri held in the Ashvina month. The nine-day festival starts on the first day of the lunar fortnight and typically falls between September and October of the English calendar. During this festival, devotees invoke Goddess Durga and her nine forms, take part in Garba and Dandiya Raas. Read to know about Navratri 2025, auspicious muhurats and more.
Navaratri 2025, Dates And Auspicious Muhurats
Navaratri 2025 is from September 22 to October 1, 2025. The festival ends on Thursday, October 2nd, with the Dussehra festival, which starts on Wednesday. Here is a view on the tithis and dates of Navratri 2025.
● September 22nd, Monday, festival of Devi Shailputri Puja and Ghatasthapana on Pratipada tithi.
● September 23rd, Tuesday, the festival of Devi Brahmacharini Pooja on Dwitiya tithi.
● September 24th, Wednesday, the festival of Devi Chandraghanta Pooja on Tritiya tithi.
● September 25th, Thursday, the festival of Devi Kushmanda Pooja on Chaturthi tithi.
● September 26-27, Friday and Saturday, the festival of Devi Skandamata Pooja on Panchami tithi.
● September 27th, Saturday, the festival of Devi Katyayani Pooja on Maha Shashti tithi.
● September 28th, Sunday, the festival Devi Kaalratri Pooja, on Maha Saptami tithi.
● September 29, 30, Monday and Tuesday, the festival of Devi Mahagauri Pooja and Maha Ashtami tithi.
● September 30, October 1, Tuesday and Wednesday, the festival of Devi Siddhidatri Pooja on Maha Navami tithi.
● October 1, October 2, Wednesday and Thursday, the festival of Dasami and Dussehra on the Dasami tithi.
Auspicious Muhurats in Navratri
The festival on each of the nine days of Navratri 2025 has special timings called auspicious Muhurats, where all the Poojas and rituals must be performed. Here is the list of appropriate timings
● Day 1, September 22, Monday, Ghatasthapana Muhurat, 6:27 AM to 8:16 AM.
● Day 2, September 23, Tuesday, Brahma Muhurat, 4:35 AM to 5:22 AM.
● Day 3, September 24, Wednesday, Brahma Muhurat, 4:35 AM to 5:22 AM
● Day 4, September 25, Thursday, Vinayaka Chaturthi, 11:18 AM to 1:42 PM
● Day 5, September 26-27, Friday and Saturday, Brahma Muhurat, 9:33 AM on Friday to 12:03 PM on Saturday.
● Day 6, September 27, Saturday, Brahma Muhurat, 4:36 AM to 5:24 AM
● Day 7, September 28, Sunday, Brahma Muhurat, 4:36 AM to 5:24 AM
● Day 8, September 29 to 30, Monday and Tuesday, Brahma Muhurat, 9:33 AM to 12:03 PM
● Day 9, September 30 to October 1, Tuesday and Wednesday, Brahma Muhurat, 6:06 PM to 7:01 PM.
History And Significance of Navratri
According to Hindu mythology, there are a few versions of history behind why this festival is celebrated. One of them is about the story of a demon king, Mahishasura, who started a war with the Gods. When he became undefeatable, the Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara) combined their supreme powers to create Devi Durga, a Shakti goddess. Goddess Durga defeated the demon king after a battle of nine days. On the tenth day, Vijaya Dasami is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil.
Another story is from the Ramayana, where Lord Rama defeats Ravana, the king of Lanka and upholds Dharma. Lord Rama battled against Ravana and rescued his wife Sita. It is said that Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga for nine days before the battle to seek her blessings. Goddess Durga blessed Rama with divine power after he was ready to sacrifice his eyes when he could not meet the count of worshipping her with 108 lotuses. It is said that Rama won the battle on Vijayadasami and hence Dussehra is celebrated.
Another story is about the marriage of Uma and Lord Shiva. Uma was the daughter of the King of the Himalayas, Daksh. She is said to have come to earth for 10 days in Navratri and married Shiva during this period. This festival is thus celebrated for her homecoming to Earth and her marriage to Shiva.
Rituals And Celebrations Of Navratri, 2025
Hindus all over India and across the globe celebrate the Navratri festival, but according to their tradition and practices. Many North Indian states perform the Rama Leela on the nine days and on Dussehra. In East India, especially in West Bengal, Durga Pooja is a grand affair and is celebrated as Navratri. It is one of the most important festivals in Bengal, where cultural events are held during this period.
In the West of India, especially Maharashtra and Gujarat, people celebrate this festival with a special dance called Dandiya and Garba with dandiya sticks and traditional clothes. In South India, Ayudha Pooja is celebrated on the ninth day to get blessings for all the vehicles and tools in their homes. Goan Devotees conduct special Yantras on Navratri and adorn temples. They honour Dasha Maitrikas with new clothes, sandalwood paste and ornaments.
Rules For Fasting On Navratri
As part of the Navratri festival, devotees observe fast on all nine days to get blessings from the nine Devi Durga forms. Here are the fasting rules to follow as a devotee to maintain mental purity and stay healthy by getting essential nutrients during the nine-day fast.
● People should follow a vegetarian diet, which means avoiding the consumption of garlic, meat, eggs, onions, wheat, fish, rice, and processed foods.
● You may eat vegetables, fruits, milk, buttermilk and other dairy products.
● Avoid using regular table salt during these nine days, and instead, use alternatives such as rock salt.
● Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Why Navratri 2025 Is Special
The Navratri 2025 is special as it extends beyond the nine days. Typically, Navratri is celebrated for nine days; this year, however, it stretches to 11 days due to a rare tithi formation.
As the Tithis (lunar days) span more than 24 hours and spread to two solar days, they create a unique cosmic alignment. Plus, this year, another rare occurrence is that the Lunar phase after Mahalaya Amavasya extends, creating an intense spiritual energy. All the days of Navratri, in this case 11 days, are supercharged with Goddess Durga’s power. This prolonged energy supports spiritual breakthroughs, meditation, greater devotion and grace.
Conclusion
Navratri is a festival observed throughout India with different traditions and practices. The theme remains the same everywhere: the devotion to the nine avatars of Goddess Durga and the triumph of good over evil. This year is unique in that it will be 11 days long, rather than nine days, due to a rare tithi extension. Observe this festival with the highest devotion to attain the blessings of the Goddess.
