Jammu, 21 September : The Scared celebration of Sharadiya Navratri, one of the most sacred Hindu traditions, will begin on Monday, September 22, 2025, when a rare astrological phenomenon will make the celebration last ten days instead of the normal nine. For devotees, the spiritual pilgrimage this year will be a day longer and end on October 1st.
The atmosphere is thick with piety and enthusiasm as markets in the nation are abuzz with shoppers. From the colorful display of Durga idols being carefully worked on to the shoppers indulging in buying new clothes, jewellery, and puja paraphernalia, the festive mood is felt. The shops are decorated with red chunnis for the Goddess and a variety of puja samagri as the start of the divine phase begins.
As per Vedic astrology, this year’s Navratri is significant since Goddess Durga is considered to be coming on an elephant (Gaj). The astrologers believe this Gajagamanam (coming on an elephant) to be extremely favorable, indicating the coming of prosperity, opulence, victory, and glory for the country and its citizens. It is believed to signal good rainfall, an abundant harvest, agricultural progress, and general prosperity and happiness.One of the main highlights for followers is the Kalash Sthapana ritual, which signifies the official commencement of Navratri puja.
Astrologers have this year identified two very auspicious time slots for performing this crucial ritual on September 22nd. The first muhurta is between 6:03 AM and 8:22 AM, and the second between 10:40 AM and 12:56 PM. Placing the Kalash in these timings will fetch maximum divine blessings.
Why is Kalash Sthapana Significant?
As described by astrologer , the Kalash is said to be a symbol of Lord Vishnu in Hindu scriptures. Thus, prior to the start of the worship of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of Shakti (power), the Kalash is first worshipped to attract the preserving power of Vishnu, establishing a complete and balanced divine energy field for the rituals.
Important Dates for Navratri 2025:·
September 22: Pratipada & Kalash Sthapana· September 30: Maha Ashtami·
October 1: Maha Navami (Navratri Parana)·
October 2: Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
The History and Significance of Sharadiya Navratri Sharadiya Navratri, or “the nine autumn nights,” is a nine-day celebration in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October).
It marks the triumph of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura, a shape-shifting buffalo demon. The battle raged for nine days and nights and ended on the tenth day, Vijayadashami, when the Goddess won.The festival represents the triumph of good (Dharma) over evil (Adharma).
Each of the nine days is devoted to one of the nine different incarnations of Goddess Durga—Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
The devotees observe fasting, prayers, and meditation to receive the blessings of the Goddess for spiritual development, peace, and prosperity.It is a strong belief that Goddess Durga herself comes down to the world during these nine days to stay among her people, hearing their prayers and removing their troubles and sorrows.
Any sadhana or spiritual practice done with a pure mind during these nine days is said to bring enormous punya (merit) and divine blessings, so Sharadiya Navratri is a good time for spiritual rejuvenation, devotion, and celebration of the divine feminine power.