What is Sharad (Shardiya) Navratri?

Sharad Navratri, also called Maha Navratri, is the most significant Navratri of the year, celebrated during the autumn season. Dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms (Navadurga), this festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. In 2025, Sharad Navratri holds extra spiritual weight with Maa Durga’s symbolic arrival and departure signs.

 

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Dates

●       Start Date: September 22, 2025 (Monday)

●       End Date: October 1, 2025 (Wednesday)

●       Vijayadashami (Dussehra): October 2, 2025 (Thursday)

According to the Hindu calendar, the festival begins on the Pratipada Tithi of the Ashwin Shukla Paksha and ends on the Navami Tithi.

 

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) Muhurat 2025

Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of Navratri rituals, inviting Goddess Durga into homes and temples.

●       Morning Muhurat: 6:09 AM – 8:06 AM

●       Abhijeet Muhurat: 11:49 AM – 12:38 PM

Performing the Kalash Sthapana during this time ensures prosperity, protection, and divine blessings.

 

Durga Puja 2025 Highlights

Durga Puja, an integral part of Sharad Navratri, particularly in Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar, falls within these dates:

●       Mahashashthi (Start of Durga Puja): September 28, 2025

●       Vijayadashami (Dussehra): October 2, 2025

Durga Puja involves grand rituals, cultural events, and the immersion of Goddess idols, marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

 

Symbolism of Maa Durga’s Arrival and Departure in 2025

One of the unique features of Sharad Navratri is the symbolic significance of Maa Durga’s mode of arrival and departure.

🌸 Maa Durga’s Arrival on an Elephant

●       In 2025, Goddess Durga is believed to arrive on an elephant.

●       This symbolizes peace, prosperity, and abundance.

●       It is considered a highly auspicious sign for families and the nation, indicating a year of growth, stability, and well-being.

🌊 Maa Durga’s Departure by Boat

●       At the end of Navratri, Maa Durga departs by boat.

●       This symbolizes new direction, hope, and favorable outcomes.

●       Traditionally, it is seen as an encouraging sign for agriculture, harvest, and societal harmony, especially benefiting farmers and rural communities.

 

 

Why Sharad Navratri 2025 is Special

1. Auspicious planetary alignments during this period enhance spiritual practices.
   
   
2. Maa Durga’s symbolic elephant arrival brings hopes of prosperity and abundance.
   
   
3. Her boat departure suggests a smooth journey and new beginnings.
   
   
4. The festival unites people across India with Garba, Dandiya nights, Durga Puja pandals, and devotional fasting.
   
   

 

How Devotees Celebrate Sharad Navratri

●       Fasting & Prayers – Devotees fast for nine days, consuming only sattvic food.

●       Daily Goddess Worship – Each day is dedicated to one form of Navadurga.

●       Garba & Dandiya – Especially popular in Gujarat and Maharashtra, these dances honor the goddess with music and devotion.

●       Durga Puja Pandals – In Bengal, massive pandals showcase artistic depictions of Goddess Durga.

●       Kanya Puja (Ashtami/Navami) – Young girls, representing the goddess, are worshipped and offered food and gifts.

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Day-Wise Calendar

Day 1 – September 22, 2025 (Monday)
 Goddess: Maa Shailputri
 Color: 🤍 Royal in White
 Significance: Symbol of stability and strength, she blesses devotees with grounding energy.

Day 2 – September 23, 2025 (Tuesday)
 Goddess: Maa Brahmacharini
 Color: ❤️ Vibrant in Red
 Significance: Embodiment of devotion and penance, she grants wisdom and spiritual power.

Day 3 – September 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
 Goddess: Maa Chandraghanta
 Color: 💙 Sparkling Blue
 Significance: Known for bravery and protection, she removes fears and obstacles.

Day 4 – September 25, 2025 (Thursday)
 Goddess: Maa Kushmanda
 Color: 💛 Elegant Yellow
 Significance: Believed to have created the universe, she blesses with energy, creativity, and good health.

Day 5 – September 26, 2025 (Friday)
 Goddess: Maa Skandamata
 Color: 💚 Charming Green
 Significance: The mother of Lord Kartikeya, she blesses devotees with prosperity, love, and motherly care.

Day 6 – September 27, 2025 (Saturday)
 Goddess: Maa Katyayani
 Color: 🌫️ Graceful Grey
 Significance: A warrior goddess who destroys evil, she grants courage, strength, and victory.

Day 7 – September 28, 2025 (Sunday)
 Goddess: Maa Kalaratri
 Color: 🧡 Lovely Orange
 Significance: Fierce protector of devotees, she removes negativity, darkness, and fear.

Day 8 – September 29, 2025 (Monday)
 Goddess: Maa Mahagauri
 Color: 🦚 Festive Peacock Green
 Significance: Symbol of purity and forgiveness, she blesses with peace and serenity.

Day 9 – September 30, 2025 (Tuesday)
 Goddess: Maa Siddhidatri
 Color: 🌸 Dazzling Pink
 Significance: The giver of Siddhis (spiritual powers), she fulfills desires and grants divine wisdom.

Day 10 – October 1, 2025 (Wednesday)
 Festival: Navami & Kanya Pujan
 Color: Multi-colors
 Significance: Young girls are worshipped as the divine form of Maa Durga, symbolizing blessings and purity.

Day 11 – October 2, 2025 (Thursday)
 Festival: Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
 Significance: Celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Effigies of Ravana are burnt, and in Bengal, Durga idols are immersed with grandeur.

Conclusion

Sharad (Shardiya) Navratri 2025, from September 22 to October 1, promises to be a spiritually enriching time. With Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant and departure by boat, this Navratri symbolizes peace, prosperity, and new hope for the coming year. Whether through fasting, Garba nights, or Durga Puja celebrations, devotees across India will immerse themselves in devotion and joy, celebrating the divine feminine power.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Sharad Navratri 2025

1. When is Sharad Navratri 2025?

Sharad (Shardiya) Navratri 2025 will begin on September 22, 2025 (Monday) and end on October 1, 2025 (Wednesday). It will be followed by Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 2, 2025 (Thursday).

 

2. What is the Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) Muhurat for 2025?

The auspicious timings for Ghatasthapana are:

●       Morning Muhurat: 6:09 AM – 8:06 AM

●       Abhijeet Muhurat: 11:49 AM – 12:38 PM

 

3. Which Goddess is worshipped on each day of Navratri?

Navratri celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga):

●       Day 1: Shailputri

●       Day 2: Brahmacharini

●       Day 3: Chandraghanta

●       Day 4: Kushmanda

●       Day 5: Skandamata

●       Day 6: Katyayani

●       Day 7: Kalaratri

●       Day 8: Mahagauri

●       Day 9: Siddhidatri

Each day has its own significance, rituals, and color.

 

4. Why is Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant in 2025 considered special?

In 2025, Maa Durga is believed to arrive on an elephant, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and abundance. It is a highly auspicious sign that suggests harmony, growth, and stability for individuals and society.

 

5. What does Maa Durga’s departure by boat signify?

Maa Durga’s departure on a boat represents new directions, hope, and favorable outcomes. It is especially auspicious for agriculture, harvest, and societal harmony, bringing blessings of smooth progress in life.

 

6. What are the rules for fasting during Navratri?

●       Devotees eat only sattvic food (fruits, milk, nuts, and certain flours).

●       Onion, garlic, non-veg food, and alcohol are strictly avoided.

●       Some people fast for all nine days, while others observe the first and last day fast.

●       Water, milk, and fruit-based fasting are common forms.

 

7. Which Goddess should be worshipped for specific wishes?

●       For marriage and love: Maa Katyayani (Day 6)

●       For wealth and prosperity: Maa Kushmanda (Day 4)

●       For peace and purity: Maa Mahagauri (Day 8)

●       For strength and courage: Maa Shailputri (Day 1)

●       For wisdom and devotion: Maa Brahmacharini (Day 2)

 

8. How is Sharad Navratri different from Chaitra Navratri?

●       Sharad Navratri (Sep–Oct) is the most important Navratri, celebrated with Durga Puja, Garba, and Dandiya.

●       Chaitra Navratri (Mar–Apr) marks the Hindu New Year and is observed with Ram Navami at the end.

 

9. What are the major cultural highlights of Sharad Navratri 2025?

●       Garba and Dandiya nights in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

●       Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar.

●       Ramlila and Dussehra across North India.

Kanya Puja (Ashtami/Navami) where young girls are worshipped as the goddess.