Sharadiya Navratri, one of the most important Hindu festivals, begins this year on September 22, 2025. This time, Navratri will last for ten days, and devotees will worship the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga with rituals and devotion.

The festival holds immense religious, cultural, and spiritual significance across India. Homes and temples will echo with prayers, chants, and festive celebrations. Special attention is placed on the first day ritual, Kalash Sthapana, which marks the beginning of Navratri.

Special Features of Navratri 2025

This year, Navratri brings a few unique features. Chaturthi Tithi will be observed for two consecutive days. Devotees believe this rare occurrence enhances the spiritual energy of the festival.

Another special aspect is the symbolic arrival of Goddess Durga. In 2025, she is believed to arrive on both an elephant and a palanquin. According to Hindu belief, both arrivals are considered auspicious. An elephant symbolizes prosperity and abundance, while a palanquin symbolizes divine blessings and harmony.

Importance of Kalash Sthapana

The first day of Navratri is marked by Kalash Sthapana, also called Ghatasthapana. It is considered the most important ritual of the festival. Performing Kalash Sthapana at the correct muhurat is believed to invoke positive energy and divine blessings.

A properly established Kalash brings peace, prosperity, and happiness to households. Devotees consider it the seat of divine power during Navratri.

Kalash Sthapana Muhurat

For Sharadiya Navratri 2025, the Kalash Sthapana muhurat begins on September 22.

The auspicious time is from 6:27 AM to 8:16 AM. The duration of this muhurat is one hour and forty-eight minutes.

Those unable to perform the ritual in the morning can observe it during Abhijit Muhurat. This period will last from 12:07 PM to 12:55 PM, giving a duration of 48 minutes. Performing Kalash Sthapana within these timings is considered highly auspicious.

Step-by-Step Kalash Sthapana Vidhi

The process of Kalash Sthapana must be done with purity and devotion. Devotees begin by cleaning the puja space thoroughly. The Kalash is placed in the northeast or east direction of the house or temple.

The vessel, which can be copper, brass, steel, or clay, is filled with clean water. Into this water, devotees add rice, turmeric, fresh flowers, durva grass, and bael leaves.

The Kalash is then covered with a coconut. A red or yellow cloth is tied around it as decoration. While placing the Kalash, devotees chant prayers dedicated to Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesha.

The mantra “Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundayai Vichche” is often recited during the ritual. Around the Kalash, lamps are lit, and offerings of turmeric and rice are made. Devotees believe this creates an atmosphere of positivity and attracts divine energy.

Essential Items for Kalash Sthapana

For a complete Kalash Sthapana, certain items are required. These include:

• A Kalash made of copper, brass, steel, or clay

• Pure water or Ganga water

• Coconut with husk

• Fresh flowers and durva grass

• Rice grains and turmeric

• Bael leaves and betel leaves

• Red or yellow cloth for decoration

• Vermillion or kumkum

• Oil or clay lamps

• Sweets or fruits for prasad

• A clean wooden platform or plate to place the Kalash

Each item has symbolic meaning and is believed to invite divine presence.

Significance of Fasting During Navratri

Fasting is a key element of Navratri observance. Devotees believe fasting purifies the body and mind, making them fit for spiritual connection.

During fasting, people consume fruits, milk, sabudana, buckwheat flour (kuttu), and makhana. Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and impure items are strictly avoided. Fasting is not only an act of devotion but also a way to practice discipline and inner purification.

Worship of Nine Forms of Goddess Durga

Throughout the nine days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day is dedicated to one form, from Shailputri on the first day to Siddhidatri on the ninth.

Devotees perform rituals, recite mantras, and offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. Temples across India organize special prayers, while households conduct morning and evening aarti.

The tenth day, known as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burnt, signifying the destruction of arrogance and evil forces.

Cultural Celebrations Across India

Navratri celebrations differ in various regions. In North India, Ramleela performances are staged, and Dussehra marks the grand finale. In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated with Garba and Dandiya dance, filling nights with joy and music.

West Bengal observes Navratri as Durga Puja, with elaborately decorated pandals and artistic idols of the Goddess. In South India, households organize Golu, an arrangement of dolls representing divine and cultural themes.

Across the country, the festival becomes a celebration of devotion, culture, and community spirit.

Symbolism of Elephant and Palanquin

This year’s belief that Goddess Durga arrives on an elephant and a palanquin holds deep meaning. An elephant is a symbol of wealth, power, and prosperity. Its arrival is said to bring abundant harvests and stability.

A palanquin, on the other hand, signifies divine presence and protection. Together, they represent balance between material growth and spiritual harmony. Devotees believe this combination makes 2025 Navratri especially auspicious.

Spiritual Significance of Navratri

Beyond rituals and celebrations, Navratri carries spiritual significance. It represents the victory of positivity over negativity. Each day of devotion strengthens the bond between the devotee and the divine.

The nine forms of Durga symbolize qualities like courage, wisdom, purity, and prosperity. Worshipping these forms inspires devotees to imbibe these values in their own lives.

Navratri is also seen as a time for self-reflection. By observing fasts and performing rituals, devotees align themselves with spiritual energy.

Modern Observance and Digital Celebrations

In recent years, Navratri celebrations have also adapted to modern trends. Many devotees join online pujas and live-stream aartis. Temples broadcast rituals for those unable to attend in person.

Social media is filled with festive greetings, devotional songs, and cultural programs. This digital presence helps connect communities across distances, ensuring participation from devotees worldwide.

Sharadiya Navratri 2025 begins on September 22 with devotion and grandeur. The ten-day festival will include the worship of nine forms of Goddess Durga. Kalash Sthapana remains the most important ritual, with auspicious muhurats in the morning and noon.

Devotees will celebrate with fasting, rituals, cultural programs, and prayers. The symbolic arrival of Goddess Durga on an elephant and palanquin adds to the spiritual significance this year.

Navratri continues to unite people through faith, culture, and tradition. With rituals like Kalash Sthapana and dedicated worship, devotees believe the festival brings peace, prosperity, and divine blessings into their lives.