Shardiya Navratri 2025: When is Ashtami Navratri, Navami and Dussehra? Know the Auspicious Timings and Complete Info About Navratri Festival

Shardiya Navratri are considered the largest Hindu celebrations that take place with full faith and cultural clarity all over the country, which are dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Shardiya Navratri represents the victory of good over evil. Each year Shardiya Navratri begins on the Pratipada (first day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashwin (September-October) according to the Hindu calendar.

Navratri is not only about rituals, but also removes your spiritual dirt, fasting, devotion, cultural program, and bonding with the community. The devotion is perfectly actualized for the devotees who need to know the dates for Shardiya Navratri 2025, including the auspicious timings, and significance of Ashtami, Navami, and Dussehra in 2025 to perform the rituals with purity and devotion.

Key Dates for Shardiya Navratri 2025

On Monday, September 22, 2025, Shardiya Navratri will begin and Tuesday, September 30, 2025 is the last day for the nine days that are usually observed as auspicious. Each day has a corresponding worship reflection and there are nine manifestations of Goddess Durga or Navadurga.

The Shardiya Navratri 2025 festival is based on the Hindu calendar and will be celebrated with immense devotion across the country.

• Navratri Start Date (Ghatasthapana): Monday, September 22, 2025
• Navratri End Date (Navami): Tuesday, September 30, 2025
• Dussehra (Vijayadashami): Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Auspicious Timings for Key Rituals

• Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Kalash Sthapana): The most sacred ritual to begin Navratri. The auspicious time for Ghatasthapana will be announced based on the sunrise and the Pratipada Tithi on September 22. Performing this ritual at the correct time is believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga for prosperity and well-being.
• Ashtami (Maha Ashtami) Date: Monday, September 29, 2025. This day is dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri. Many devotees perform Kanya Pujan on this day, worshipping nine young girls as manifestations of the goddess.
• Navami (Maha Navami) Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2025. The final day of the festival is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. It is on Maha Navami that many devotees who have been fasting for nine days break their fast after Kanya Pujan.
• Dussehra (Vijayadashami) Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The day honors Lord Rama for his victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga for her victory over Mahishasura. Ramlila, burning of Ravana’s effigy and march processions are traditional events that commemorate the day.

Significance of Shardiya Navratri

1. Spiritual Cleansing: Fasting during Navratri supports detoxification of the body and mind.
2. Worship of Nine Goddesses : Each day (nine days) is dedicated to one of the forms of Goddess Durga, who represents power, knowledge, and prosperity.
3. Good Triumph Over Evil: Navratri concludes with Dussehra, which depicts the good defeating the evil forces.
4. Cultural Celebrations: Garba, dandiya nights, music, and dancing are set up in many places in India especially Gujarat and Maharashtra.
5. Astrological Significance: Navratri is believed to balance planetary influences. It brings positivity in devotees’ lives.

The Nine Forms of the Goddess

Each day of Navratri honors a specific form of Goddess Durga, known as the Navadurga.

• Day 1 – Shailputri Devi: The daughter of the mountains, representing strength and devotion.
• Day 2 – Brahmacharini Devi: The goddess of penance, embodying spiritual knowledge and discipline.
• Day 3 – Chandraghanta Devi: Worshipped for bravery and the power to destroy evil.
• Day 4 – Kushmanda Devi: The creator of the universe, representing energy and creativity.
• Day 5 – Skandamata Devi: The goddess of motherhood and compassion.
• Day 6 – Katyayani Devi: The warrior goddess, symbolizing courage and justice.
• Day 7 – Kalaratri Devi: The fiercest form, worshipped for protection from negativity.
• Day 8 – Mahagauri Devi: The goddess of purity and serenity, celebrated on Ashtami Navratri.
• Day 9 – Siddhidatri Devi: The goddess who grants all spiritual powers, worshipped on Maha Navami.

The Grand Finale: Dussehra 2025

Following the nine days of devotion, the festival concludes with Dussehra on October 1, 2025. This day, also known as Vijayadashami, marks two great victories: Lord Rama’s triumph over the demon king Ravana and Goddess Durga’s defeat of the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The day is celebrated with theatrical performances of Ramlila and the burning of Ravana effigies, symbolizing the ultimate victory of good over evil.

Navratri Rituals and Celebrations

• Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana): A ritual where a sacred pot is established, symbolizing the presence of the goddess.
• Fasting: Devotees observe fasts, consuming only satvik food and avoiding onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian items.
• Kanya Pujan: A powerful ritual where young girls are worshipped as living forms of the goddess.
• Garba and Dandiya: In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the nights come alive with vibrant folk dances.
• Durga Puja: West Bengal celebrates with grand pandals and elaborate idol worship.
• Community Celebrations: Across North India, the festival is marked by community gatherings, bhajans (devotional songs), and aarti.

Regional Celebrations of Navratri

• North India: Fasting, Ramlila, and effigies of Ravana for Dussehra burning.
• Gujarat: Garba: and Dandiya (a kind of dance) lasts late into the night.
• West Bengal (Durga Puja):  Many pandals and idols, including cultural shows of various kinds.
• Maharashtra: Ghatsthapana and ghatshapana in community settings.
• South India: Bommai Golu (display of dolls) and celebratory music and dance.

Must Read: How to Plan Your Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra: Special Rituals During Navratri 2025 & Safety Tips for Your Divine Journey

Why Shardiya Navratri 2025 is Special

This year, the alignment of Ashtami, Navami, and Dussehra allows for a seamless flow of spiritual energy, making the final days of the festival particularly auspicious. It is believed that this harmonious timing magnifies the blessings received by devotees, bringing an extra layer of positivity and abundance into their lives.

Final Thoughts

Shardiya Navratri 2025 is more than just a festival; it’s a time for spiritual renewal and cultural connection. Whether you are participating in Garba, observing a fast, or simply taking part in a local Durga Puja, this period offers a perfect opportunity to reconnect with your inner self and embrace the divine. Enjoy every moment of this beautiful celebration, and may you receive the blessings of Maa Durga.

Must Read: Kamakhya to Kalighat: 8 Iconic Kali Temples That Every Spiritual Traveler Should Visit

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1. When will Shardiya Navratri 2025 begin and end?

Ans: Shardiya Navratri 2025 will begin on 22nd September 2025 (Monday) and conclude on 1st October 2025 (Wednesday) with Dussehra celebrations.

Q2: Is Kanya Pujan performed on Ashtami or Navami?

Ans: While many people perform Kanya Pujan on Maha Ashtami, it is also widely performed on Maha Navami before breaking the fast. You can choose either day as per your family tradition.

Q3: Why is Navratri celebrated for nine days?

Ans: The festival is celebrated for nine days to honor the nine distinct forms of Goddess Durga, with each day dedicated to one of her divine manifestations.

Q4: Is fasting mandatory for the festival?

Ans: No, fasting is not mandatory. It is a personal choice based on devotion and spiritual practice. Many people choose to fast for all nine days, while others fast on the first and last day.