Navratri rolls around every year, and 2025 is no different. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a seasoned devotee, knowing the exact dates and a few handy tips can make the nine‑night festival smooth and fun. Below you’ll find the calendar, the must‑do rituals, and practical advice on how to celebrate without any last‑minute stress.
In 2025 there are two Navratris that most people observe. The longer, more popular one – Sharad Navratri – starts on Saturday, 27 September 2025 and ends on Sunday, 5 October 2025. The shorter spring version, Chaitra Navratri, falls from Monday, 10 March 2025 to Tuesday, 18 March 2025. Both periods last nine nights and ten days, ending with Vijayadashami (Dussehra). Mark these dates on your calendar now so you won’t miss the first chanting session.
Navratri is all about devotion, dance, and community. Here’s a simple checklist you can follow each night.
1. Set up your pooja space. Clean a corner of your living room, lay out a small altar, light a few diyas, and keep a statue or picture of Goddess Durga. Fresh flowers and incense add a pleasant vibe.
2. Follow the daily garb. Many families wear a specific colour each night – red, yellow, green, orange, white, blue, pink, purple, and sky‑blue. Choose fabric that’s comfortable for dancing and easy to clean.
3. Learn the aarti and chant. The most common mantra is the “Durga Chalisa” or the “Navratri aarti.” A quick YouTube search will give you a video guide. Practicing a few verses each day helps you stay focused and makes the pooja feel personal.
4. Join a Garba or Dandiya gathering. Community halls, temples, and even school playgrounds host night‑time dance events. If you’re new, go early, wear simple shoes, and keep a water bottle handy.
5. Cook festive foods. Classic dishes include *kadhi*, *sabudana khichdi*, *puran poli*, and sweets like *rasgulla* or *kesari halwa*. Prepare a batch on the first day and store portions for later nights – it saves time and enforces the spirit of sharing.
6. Stay eco‑friendly. Instead of plastic plates, use biodegradable plates or reusable dishes. Light LED diyas or solar lamps to cut down on electricity while keeping the traditional glow.
7. Keep safety first. If you’re dancing outdoors, watch out for uneven ground. Keep fire extinguishers near diyas and avoid over‑crowding the dance floor. For those who travel to a different city for Navratri events, book accommodation early and keep your ID and travel documents accessible.
8. Wrap up with Vijayadashami. On the tenth day, families perform a special puja, exchange sweets, and often organize a short trek to a hill‑top temple. It's a great moment to reflect on the past nine nights and set personal goals for the coming year.
That’s it – a quick guide that covers everything from dates to daily rituals. By planning ahead, you’ll spend more time enjoying the music, food, and community rather than scrambling for supplies. Navratri is a time to celebrate power, positivity, and togetherness, so make the most of it in 2025. Happy Navratri!
Day two of Navratri 2025 honors Maa Brahmacharini, the goddess of penance. Learn why mishri, jaggery, fresh fruit and simple sugar sweets are the preferred bhog, how to prepare them, and the mantras that seal the offering. The article also explains the deeper spiritual benefits tied to patience, resilience and family harmony.
