- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:07 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Navratri falling during the Hindu month of Chaitra is a significant festival for devotees of Maa Durga and Lord Ram, taking place in March or April. During these nine days, people honour the nine forms of Devi Shakti. The final day coincides with Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Bhagwan Rama. Many rituals performed during the more widely known Shardiya Navratri in September or October are also observed during Chaitra Navratri. This festive period marks the beginning of the Hindu Luni-Solar calendar, making it a time of spiritual renewal and celebration.
As per the Hindu Panchang, Chaitra Navratri will last 8 days this year instead of 9. Check out the reason for the same, Chaitra Navratri’s start date, significance and other details below.
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Reason It Will Be Celebrated For 8 Days Instead Of 9
As per the Hindu Panchang, the Panchami tithi is being skipped due to a lunar overlap, resulting in a shorter celebration period of Chaitra Navratri. Hence, it will be celebrated for 8 days instead of 9.
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Start Date
According to the Hindu calendar, Chaitra Navratri begins on 30 March 2025 and concludes on 7 April 2025. The Chaitra month's Shukla Paksha Pratipada date starts at 4:27 PM on 29 March and ends at 12:49 PM on 30 March, marking the beginning of the Chaitra Navratri festivities.
Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to the worship of goddess Shakti and her 9 forms. (Image Source: Canva)
Chaitra Navratri 2025: Significance And Rituals
Chaitra Navratri holds great significance in Vedic Hindu astrology. It marks the time when the Sun re-enters the first zodiac sign - Aries, after completing its journey through all 12 signs. This event also signals the beginning of a new year in the Sanatan Hindu calendar.
During Chaitra Navratri, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga, each representing a different aspect of the divine feminine. According to legend, Maa Durga descended on earth on the first day of Chaitra Navratri and at her behest, Lord Brahma began creating the universe and all life within it.
The festival is also associated with the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The Matsya avatar is believed to have incarnated on the third day of Chaitra Navratri, marking the beginning of the formation of Mother Earth. The ninth day known as Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu Bhagwan.
Devotees observe various rituals during Chaitra Navratri, including fasting, chanting mantras and worshipping Goddess Durga. They also clean and decorate their homes and eat Satvik foods and fruits. The fast is broken on the ninth day after performing Havan and Kanya Pujan.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)