Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival which celebrates the divine feminine, honoring Maa Durga and her nine avatars. Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga. These forms embody various facets of divine feminine strength and are worshipped through prayers, fasting, and cultural celebrations.
When is Navratri 2025?
Chaitra Navratri starts on March 30, 2025, and ends on April 7, 2025. Each day holds its significance and rituals, with devotees typically fasting, performing pujas, and reciting religious scriptures throughout this sacred period.
Navratri celebrations
The celebrations vary by area in India, but typical activities include prayers, fasting, cultural festivals, and the lively Garba and Dandiya dancing.
Navratri is a vibrant and spiritually enriching festival celebrated by Hindus across the world, dedicated to honoring Goddess Durga and her nine forms. To celebrate Navratri, the first step is to prepare the home with cleanliness and decoration, symbolizing the removal of negative energies. Devotees often set up an altar or a “mandap” with idols or images of Goddess Durga and her avatars.
Fasting is an essential part of the celebration. While some devotees opt for a full fast, others may follow a partial fast, refraining from specific foods like grains, onions, and garlic. During the festival, it’s common to offer prayers and perform pujas daily, seeking blessings for strength, prosperity, and protection. Reciting religious texts like the Durga Saptashati or chanting mantras like “Jai Mata Di” is also significant during this time.
Dandiya and Garba dances are an integral part of the festival, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. These lively dance forms celebrate feminine energy and community spirit. On the final day, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), devotees celebrate the triumph of good over evil with processions, burning effigies of Ravana, and exchanging festive foods.
Overall, Navratri is a time for devotion, self-discipline, and joyous celebration of divine feminine power.
