Mumbai: Chaitra Navratri, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and holds great spiritual and cultural importance. Observed twice a year, Navratri is a period of deep devotion and celebration, with Chaitra Navratri considered especially auspicious. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe during this month, making it a sacred time for worship and new beginnings.
Spanning nine days, Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to the worship of the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navadurga. Each day honours a different manifestation of the goddess, and devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer special foods or ‘bhog’ that are believed to be favourites of the respective forms. These offerings are considered to bring blessings and fulfil devotees’ wishes. Here’s a detailed look at the dates and bhog offerings for each day in 2025.
According to the Hindu Panchang (calendar), Chaitra Navratri begins on 30 March 2025, as the Pratipada Tithi (first lunar day) starts on 29 March at 4:27 PM and ends on 30 March at 12:49 PM. Following the tradition of beginning the observance based on the sunrise (Udaya Tithi), Navratri will officially commence on 30 March 2025 and conclude on 7 April 2025.
Day 1 – Goddess Shailputri: Dedicated to the daughter of the Himalayas, devotees offer white-coloured foods prepared with cow ghee, symbolising purity and serenity.
Day 2 – Goddess Brahmacharini: On this day, sugar or rock sugar (mishri) is offered, representing simplicity and penance, which are qualities associated with this form.
Day 3 – Goddess Chandraghanta: This day is marked by offerings of milk-based sweets or dishes, believed to bring peace and tranquillity.
Day 4 – Goddess Kushmanda: Devotees prepare and offer malpua, a traditional Indian sweet, believed to please the goddess and bring happiness.
Day 5 – Goddess Skandamata: Ripe bananas are offered to seek the goddess’s blessings for health and prosperity.
Day 6 – Goddess Katyayani: Honey is offered on this day, symbolising devotion and sweetness in life.
Day 7 – Goddess Kalaratri: Jaggery-based offerings are made, symbolising protection and strength, as this form is fierce and protective.
Day 8 – Goddess Mahagauri: Coconut or dishes made with coconut are offered, believed to purify the soul and bring spiritual growth.
Day 9 – Goddess Siddhidatri: On the final day, a traditional bhog of halwa-puri and black chickpeas (chana) is offered to the goddess, signifying completeness and divine blessings.
These rituals and offerings during Chaitra Navratri are deeply symbolic and cherished by millions of devotees, who seek divine grace and spiritual upliftment during this holy period.
