Shardiya Navratri, the big autumn Navratri, begins on September 22, 2025 and runs for nine days, ending on October 1 or 2 (depending on region) with Vijayadashami / Dussehra.
The festival formally kicks off with Ghatasthapana (also known as Kalash Sthapana) — the installation of a sacred pot symbolizing Goddess Shakti. In New Delhi, the auspicious muhurat is from 6:09 AM to 8:06 AM.
Navratri means “nine nights,” devoted to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms (Navadurgas). Each day corresponds to one avatar of Durga, with its own symbolism, rituals, and spiritual focus.
It’s a time for devotion, fasting (for many), singing, prayers, community gatherings. The underlying themes include the triumph of good over evil, inner strength, purity, spiritual renewal.
Garba and dandiya-raas are especially important in Gujarat and in communities with Gujarati heritage. They are folk dances performed in the evenings. Garba is often danced around a lighted lamp or image of the deity, in concentric circles; raas uses wooden sticks (“dandiyas”) tapped together in pairs.
Devotees perform pujas, chant mantras, offer “bhog” (food offerings) to the different forms of Durga each day. Some fast or observe partial fasts. Homes and temples are cleaned and decorated.
Each day has an assigned colour that devotees often wear. This is believed to align with the energy of that day’s goddess form. For example, Day 1 (Maa Shailputri) has white, Day 2 (Brahmacharini) has red, etc.
In Bhopal, the Gujarati community is celebrating garba under the theme “Operation Sindoor”, with an emphasis on traditional music and community unity.
The Traditional Bhog Offerings for each of the nine avatars are being more clearly shared this year — people are paying attention to which offerings are auspicious for which form.
