Shardiya Navratri 2025 is set to begin on 22 September and will continue until 2 October, culminating with Vijayadashami (Dussehra). While Navratri is usually celebrated over nine days, this year’s festival will be unique—it will span 10 days due to the extension of Tritiya Tithi (third lunar day) across two days. As a result, Mahanavami will be observed on 1 October, and Dussehra will be celebrated on 2 October, making it an extended and highly auspicious festival.

Significance of Shardiya Navratri

Navratri is celebrated four times a year—two are secret (Gupt Navratri), while Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are widely observed with grandeur. Shardiya Navratri falls in the Ashwin month during Shukla Paksha and is considered one of the most important times of the year for worshipping Maa Durga and her nine forms (Navadurga).

This period is marked by devotion, fasting, rituals, and celebrations across India, with special importance in states like Gujarat, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. The festival symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, as it leads to Vijayadashami—the day Lord Rama defeated Ravana.

Navratri 2025 Calendar and Key Dates

This year’s festival extends over 10 days because of the unique positioning of lunar dates:

• 22 September – Pratipada (first day)

• 23 September – Dwitiya (second day)

• 24 September – Tritiya

• 25 September – Tritiya (continued)

• 26 September – Chaturthi

• 27 September – Panchami

• 28 September – Shashti

• 29 September – Saptami

• 30 September – Ashtami

• 1 October – Navami

• 2 October – Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) Timings

The festival begins with Ghatasthapana, which marks the invocation of Goddess Durga. This year, it will be performed on 22 September during highly auspicious planetary alignments:

• Pratipada Tithi begins: 21 September, 1:24 AM

• Pratipada Tithi ends: 22 September, 2:55 AM

• Hasta Nakshatra begins: after 11:55 AM on 22 September

The best muhurats for Ghatasthapana are:

• Amrit Muhurat: 6:19 AM – 7:49 AM

• Shubh Muhurat: 9:14 AM – 10:49 AM

• Abhijit Muhurat: 11:55 AM – 12:43 PM

Performing Kalash Sthapana during these timings is considered highly beneficial and ensures prosperity throughout the festival.

Maa Durga’s Arrival on an Elephant in 2025

While Maa Durga’s primary vehicle is the lion, the mode of her arrival and departure during Navratri is determined by the weekday on which the festival begins. This year, Navratri begins on a Monday, which means Maa Durga will arrive on an elephant (Gaj Vahan).

According to scriptures, Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant is an extremely auspicious sign. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, peace, and good harvests for the year ahead. Devotees believe that this indicates stability in nature and blessings of wealth and happiness for society.

Other symbolic vehicles include:

• Horse (Ashwa) – If Navratri starts on Tuesday or Saturday, symbolizing war, upheaval, and major change.

• Doli (Palanquin) – If it begins on Thursday or Friday, seen as inauspicious, signifying instability and challenges.

• Boat (Nauka) – If it begins on Wednesday, considered positive, symbolizing rescue from troubles and peace in life.

Thus, Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant in 2025 is considered highly favorable for devotees and society.

Why This Navratri is Special

• Extended Duration: For the first time in several years, Navratri will be observed for a full 10 days, making rituals and prayers even more spiritually rewarding.

• Unique Muhurats: The combination of Hasta Nakshatra and Shukla Yoga during Ghatasthapana enhances the sanctity of the rituals.

• Elephant Vahan Arrival: Considered a once-in-years occurrence, this is believed to ensure collective prosperity.

Conclusion

Shardiya Navratri 2025 promises to be a spiritually enriching and auspicious festival, lasting longer than usual with 10 full days of devotion. From Kalash Sthapana on 22 September to Vijayadashami on 2 October, devotees will celebrate the divine feminine power of Maa Durga with fasting, rituals, and cultural festivities. With the Goddess arriving on an elephant, this year is believed to bring abundance, peace, and happiness to households across the country.

For devotees, these 10 days are not just a festival—they are a sacred journey of devotion, spiritual awakening, and the triumph of righteousness over evil.