Mumbai: Chaitra Navratri, one of the most sacred Hindu festivals, marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. Celebrated with great devotion across India, the festival typically spans nine days, during which devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer prayers to seek blessings, peace, and prosperity.
This year, however, Chaitra Navratri will be observed over eight days instead of the usual nine. According to the Hindu calendar (Panchang), the festival will begin on 30 March 2025 and conclude on 6 April 2025. The shift in the festival’s duration is due to a rare astrological occurrence – the merging (or kshay) of the Panchami Tithi, which has led to a reduction of one day in the Navratri calendar.
As per the Panchang, the Pratipada Tithi – the first day of Chaitra Navratri – begins on 29 March 2025 at 4:27 PM and ends on 30 March at 12:49 PM. As per the Hindu tradition of observing the festival from Udaya Tithi (sunrise), Chaitra Navratri will officially commence on 30 March.
The festival will culminate on 6 April with the celebration of Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Rama. Devotees will observe special prayers and offerings on this day to honour the deity.
The shortening of Chaitra Navratri in 2025 is due to the omission of Panchami Tithi – both the fourth and fifth days of Navratri will fall on the same date. This merging results in one less day of celebration, making it an eight-day Navratri instead of nine.
Despite the shorter duration, a rare and auspicious alignment is occurring during this year’s Navratri. On 5 April, devotees will observe Maha Ashtami, including the traditional worship of young girls (Kanya Pujan). The following day, 6 April, will witness both the Mahanavami celebrations and Ram Navami, combining the reverence of Goddess Durga’s final form and the birth anniversary of Lord Rama into one spiritually powerful day.
Hindus believe that observing fasts and performing rituals during Navratri pleases Goddess Durga, who in turn blesses her devotees by removing obstacles and ushering happiness and fulfilment into their lives.
