- By Kashish Rai
- Mon, 22 Sep 2025 12:13 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Shardiya Navratri 2025 begins on 22nd September 2025. According to the Hindu Panchang, Shardiya Navratri takes place during the Ashwin Shukla Paksha, ending on Dussehra. It is a vibrant celebration that is dedicated to celebrating Maa Durga's win over the demon Mahishasur. Across India, this nine-day festival is marked with different traditions and names, like Durga Puja in Bengal and Dasara in Karnataka and Devi Paksha in other South and West Indian regions. Ways of worship may change, but the main idea is the same: celebrating the divine feminine power's victory. Devotees gather to pay respect to the nine forms of Goddess Durga, asking for blessings and protection.
However, there are certain dos and don’ts that must be followed during this nine-day sacred period devoted to Maa Durga, as failing to do so may displease the goddess and invite misfortune. Below, we have mentioned a list of important guidelines that must be followed during Shardiya Navratri:
Shardiya Navratri 2025: Dos And Don’ts You Must Follow To Avoid Displeasing Maa Durga
- During Sharadiya Navratri, avoid cutting their hair, beard, moustache and nails as a sign of reverence to Maa Durga.
- If you've set up a Kalash in your home, ensure someone is always present, and keep the Akhand Jyoti burning continuously for nine days.
- Avoid bringing onion, garlic, alcohol and non-vegetarian food into your home and refrain from consuming it during Navratri. Additionally, refrain from all sorts of Tamasic food items even if you are not fasting.
- Steer clear of foods like mustard oil, sesame seeds, grains, and common salt while fasting. Use sendha namak to prepare vrat-friendly food items.
- Maintain peace and avoid conflicts or negative thoughts throughout the nine days.
- Engage in mental chanting and meditation to connect with the divine energy. It is highly auspicious to read sacred texts like Durga Saptashati, Durga Chalisa and Devi Bhagavat Puran during the nine days of Navratri.
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Devotees offer sincere prayers to Maa Durga during the nine sacred days of Navratri to seek her blessings for good fortune and prosperity. (Image Source: Canva)
- Perform daily morning and evening puja rituals to honour Goddess Durga.
- Wear clean, washed clothes and avoid dark-coloured attire during Navratri. Refrain from wearing black and dark blue clothes in particular.
- Refrain from using leather products for the duration of the festival.
- Avoid cutting lemons during the nine days if you're observing a fast. Additionally, it is advised to avoid using lemon to prepare any food items during Navratri.
- Don't take daytime naps, especially during the afternoon.
- Maintain celibacy and focus on spiritual growth during Navratri.
During the nine sacred days of Shardiya Navratri, devotees worship nine forms of Maa Durga - Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri and Siddhidatri. It is believed that worshipping Maa Durga during Navratri and following essential rules with utmost discipline eradicates fear, negativity, sickness and failure, finding peace and strength in her grace.
(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.)