This year, Chaitra Navratri will begin on March 30 and conclude on April 6, 2025. This Navratri is considered 
highly auspicious due to the formation of five special yogas: Sarvartha Siddhi, Indra, Budh Aditya, Shukra Aditya, and Lakshmi Narayan Yoga. Additionally, Goddess Durga’s arrival on an elephant symbolizes prosperity and abundance.
Significance of Navratri
Navratri is one of the most important Hindu festivals, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga. It is considered the best time for spiritual practices and devotion. Navratri is celebrated four times a year, but Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri hold special significance. Chaitra Navratri begins on the Pratipada Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra, marking the worship of the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
This Navratri Will Be of 8 Days Instead of 9
Unlike the usual 9-day Navratri, this year’s festival will last for only 8 days. This is because Ashtami and Navami fall on the same day, and Panchami Tithi is omitted.
- On April 2 (Wednesday), both Chaturthi and Panchami will be observed together.
Auspicious Timings for Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) in 2025
The ideal time for Ghatasthapana is as follows:
- Morning Muhurat: 6:13 AM to 10:21 AM
- Abhijit Muhurat: 12:00 PM to 12:50 PM
Ghatasthapana Rituals
- Clean the place of worship and purify it.
- Fill a large earthen pot with soil and sow barley seeds (jowar). Sprinkle water lightly.
- Take a Kalash (copper, brass, or clay pot) and fill it with holy Ganga water.
- Add betel nut, Durva grass, Akshat (rice grains), and a coin into the Kalash.
- Place five mango or Ashoka leaves on the mouth of the Kalash.
- Wrap a coconut in a red cloth, tie it with a sacred thread (Mouli), and place it atop the Kalash.
- Position the Kalash on the barley pot and begin the Navratri Puja with prayers and mantras.
- Offer water daily, both in the morning and evening, throughout the nine days.
Essential Items for Kalash Sthapana
- Grains and an earthen pot
- Sacred soil and holy water (Ganga Jal)
- A Kalash and sacred red thread (Mouli)
- Mango or Ashoka leaves
- Coconut with fibers (Jata wala Nariyal)
- Betel nut, camphor, cardamom, clove
- Turmeric, Akshat (rice), red cloth, and flowers
Essential Items for Goddess Durga’s Worship
- Mango leaves, rice, Ganga water
- Sandalwood, coconut, camphor, and barley
- Vermillion, clove, cardamom, and 5 betel leaves
- Earthen pot, fruits, and cosmetics for the Goddess
- Lotus seeds (Kamal Gatta), red cloth, and an Asana for the deity
May this Chaitra Navratri bring happiness, prosperity, and peace into everyone’s lives! Jai Mata Di!