Every year, millions of devotees eagerly await the arrival of Shardiya Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine avatars. A question on every devotee’s mind this year is: When is Shardiya Navratri 2025? Is it on the 21st or 22nd of September? The answer lies in the subtle shifts of the Hindu lunar calendar, which can cause date overlaps.
To clear up the confusion and help you plan your celebrations, let’s explore the precise dates, the auspicious Kalash Sthapana timings, and a day-by-day guide to the festival.
The Official Shardiya Navratri 2025 Date: 22nd September
The uncertainty around the date is a common occurrence as the festival follows the lunar calendar’s tithis. However, it’s now clear: Shardiya Navratri 2025 will begin on Monday, 22nd September with the sacred ritual of Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana). The nine-day festival will conclude on Wednesday, 1st October, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) being celebrated on Thursday, 2nd October 2025.
So, to settle the debate: Shardiya Navratri 2025 starts on September 22nd, not the 21st. The reason this matters is that devotees and pilgrims often plan their travel and temple visits around the inaugural day to witness the auspicious Ghatasthapana ceremony.
Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) Shubh Muhurat
The Kalash Sthapana ritual marks the official beginning of Shardiya Navratri 2025, symbolizing the invocation of Goddess Durga’s divine presence. Performing this ritual at the correct auspicious time is believed to attract blessings, prosperity, and protection.
- Morning Muhurat: 6:09 AM to 8:06 AM
- Midday Muhurat: 11:49 AM to 12:38 PM
For travelers, witnessing this pious moment in temples of Varanasi, Haridwar, or Ujjain adds a truly spiritual essence to the trip.
Day-by-Day Tithi & Puja Guide
If you’re planning to travel and experience the Navratri 2025 celebrations across India, here is a day-wise guide to the festival.
- Day 1 (22 Sept – Pratipada): Shailaputri Puja + Kalash Sthapana
- Day 2 (23 Sept – Dwitiya): Brahmacharini Puja
- Day 3 (24 Sept – Tritiya): Chandraghanta Puja
- Day 4 (25 Sept – Chaturthi): Kushmanda Puja
- Day 5 (26 Sept – Panchami): Skandamata Puja
- Day 6 (27 Sept – Shashthi): Katyayani Puja
- Day 7 (28 Sept – Saptami): Kalaratri Puja
- Day 8 (29 Sept – Ashtami): Mahagauri Puja + Kanya Pujan
- Day 9 (30 Sept – Navami): Siddhidatri Puja + Maha Navami Havan
- Day 10 (1 Oct): Final rituals and readying for immersion
On 2nd October, the grand celebrations of Vijayadashami (Dussehra) will take place, marked by idol visarjan, Ram Leela performances, and grand processions.
Travel Destinations to Experience Navratri
The festival offers a unique cultural experience in different parts of India. For tourists and pilgrims curious about when Shardiya Navratri 2025 is, the festival presents an incredible opportunity for cultural immersion.
- Varanasi & Haridwar (Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand): Experience traditional ceremonies and Kalash Sthapana at the sacred ghats and ancient temples.
- Kolkata (West Bengal): From Saptami onwards, Durga Puja pandals come alive with extravagant art installations, food stalls, and cultural shows.
- Ahmedabad & Vadodara (Gujarat): Get ready to be swept away by the vibrant energy of Garba and Dandiya nights, where worship blends seamlessly with dance and music.
- Mysuru (Karnataka): Witness the majestic Dasara procession on Vijayadashami, one of India’s most spectacular cultural events.
Quick Recap for Shardiya Navratri 2025
- Start Date: 22nd September 2025
- End Date: 1st October 2025
- Vijayadashami: 2nd October 2025
- Ghatasthapana Muhurat: 6:09–8:06 AM & 11:49 AM–12:38 PM
Travel Tips for Your Navratri Trip
- Book Ahead: Cities like Kolkata, Vadodara, and Varanasi see a huge influx of tourists. Book your flights, trains, and accommodation well in advance.
- Local Etiquette: When taking photos of rituals and pandals, be respectful of local sentiments. Avoid using flash inside temples.
- Taste the Flavors: Don’t miss the special festival food, from khichdi prasad in UP to the exquisite bhog in Bengal.
Conclusion
So, the answer is clear: Shardiya Navratri 2025 is set to begin on September 22nd, not the 21st, with the auspicious Kalash Sthapana ritual. Whether you’re traveling to experience the artistic grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata, the rhythmic Garba in Gujarat, or the royal Dussehra in Mysuru, this is a perfect opportunity to experience India’s rich spiritual and cultural diversity. For a traveler, Navratri is not just a celebration—it’s a vibrant pilgrimage of faith, devotion, art, and culture.
Also Read: Anant Chaturdashi 2025: Your Guide to Mumbai’s Grand Ganesh Visarjan
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the correct date for Shardiya Navratri 2025?
Ans: Shardiya Navratri 2025 will start on Monday, September 22nd, and end on Wednesday, October 1st.
Q2: Why does the Navratri date change every year?
Ans: Navratri dates are determined by the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang), not the solar calendar. The tithis (lunar days) can shift annually, causing the festival to start on a different date each year.
Q3: What is the difference between Navratri and Durga Puja?
Ans: Navratri is a nine-night festival celebrated across India, with regional variations in rituals. Durga Puja is a specific five-day festival during this period, particularly grand in West Bengal and East India, where the focus is on elaborate idol worship and cultural pandals.
Q4: What should I eat during the Navratri fast?
Ans: Devotees who fast during Navratri consume a special diet called “Vrat ka Khana,” which includes fruits, vegetables, and dishes made from ingredients like kuttu, singhara, sabudana, and samak rice.
Q5: Is Vijayadashami (Dussehra) part of the nine days of Navratri?
Ans: No, Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is the tenth day, celebrated after the nine nights of Navratri are complete. It marks the conclusion of the festival.
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