Shardiya Navratri 2025: A Rare Astrological Convergence Marks 10 Days of Festivities
The much-awaited Shardiya Navratri is set to begin on September 22, 2025, marking the start of a grand celebration that will conclude on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 2. This year, a rare and auspicious astrological alignment is making the festival even more significant. For the first time in nine years, the festival will span 10 days. The reason for this is the extended duration of the Chaturthi tithi, which will be observed for two days. This rare occurrence is believed to bring additional blessings and positive energy.
The second notable aspect of this year’s Navratri is the exceptional planetary alignment. On September 22, various celestial bodies will align in a highly auspicious configuration. Mars will be in Libra, Venus in Leo, Sun in Virgo, Rahu in Aquarius, and Ketu in Leo, while Jupiter will be in Cancer and Saturn in Pisces. Such a combination is extremely rare and is expected to amplify the spiritual and material benefits during the festival.
| Day | Date | Goddess | Paksha | Worship Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 22 | Goddess Shailputri | Pratipada | The first day of Navratri, worship of Goddess Shailputri, who symbolizes strength and devotion. |
| 2 | September 23 | Goddess Brahmacharini | Dwitiya | Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini, representing purity and austerity. |
| 3 | September 24 | Goddess Chandraghanta | Tritiya | Worship of Goddess Chandraghanta, symbolizing courage and peace. |
| 4 | September 25 | Goddess Kushmanda | Chaturthi | Worship of Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. |
| 5 | September 26 | Goddess Skandamata | Panchami | Worship of Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya, symbolizing protection. |
| 6 | September 27 | Goddess Katyayani | Sashti | Worship of Goddess Katyayani, the warrior form of Durga. |
| 7 | September 28 | Goddess Kalaratri | Saptami | Worship of Goddess Kalaratri, the remover of darkness and evil. |
| 8 | September 29 | Goddess Mahagauri | Ashtami | Worship of Goddess Mahagauri, representing purity and wisdom. |
| 9 | September 30 | Goddess Siddhidatri | Navami | Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri, bestowing perfection and fulfillment of desires. |
| 10 | October 2 | Goddess Durga | Dashami | The last day of Navratri, celebrated as Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the victory of good over evil. |
Notes:
- Paksha refers to the lunar phase, either the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) or the Krishna Paksha (waning phase), but for Navratri, it falls under Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashvin.
- The festival spans nine days, but the Dashami (Dussehra) celebration on the tenth day marks the culmination.
- The specific Goddesses honored each day represent various forms of Goddess Durga, each associated with different aspects of life such as courage, wisdom, protection, and prosperity.
The first day of Navratri is particularly auspicious due to the formation of Brahma Yoga and Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga, both of which are highly favorable for any religious or spiritual activity. On this day, devotees will also observe the Kalash Sthapana (pot installation), which is a significant ritual marking the commencement of the nine-day festival. The time window for performing the Kalash Sthapana is particularly favorable from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Additionally, the Abhijit Muhurat, which is considered one of the most auspicious times during the day, will fall between 11:49 AM and 12:38 PM.
Another interesting detail this year is that the vehicle of Goddess Durga will be the elephant. In Hindu mythology, the elephant is regarded as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and prosperity. This signifies that this year, the festival will bring about positive changes and growth in areas such as agriculture, business, and family life.
In terms of the tithi (date), the Chaturthi tithi will be observed on both September 25 and 26, with the latter day coinciding with the sunrise at 6:48 AM. As a result, the Chaturthi will continue to hold significance on the 26th, making it an important day for worshipping Goddess Durga in her Kushmanda form.
As devotees gear up to celebrate this year’s Shardiya Navratri, the alignment of favorable cosmic forces, the extended festival duration, and the auspicious Kalash Sthapana Muhurat are expected to make it a memorable occasion for millions of Hindus worldwide.
