An important Hindu holiday, Chaitra Navratri honors the Goddess Durga in her nine magnificent guises. This holy time, which is observed for nine days, represents self-control, spiritual rejuvenation, and the triumph of good over evil. In order to get the goddess’ blessings, devotees all throughout India fast, pray, and perform rituals.

Dates of the Festival

Date of Start: March 30, 2025

• Deadline: Dashami, April 7, 2025

Navami Tithi and Ashtami

• Ashtami (Eighth Day): Saturday, April 5, 2025

On this day, devotees worship the goddess Mahagauri.

• Navami (Ninth Day): Sunday, April 6, 2025

o Kanya Puja, also known as Kumari, Kanjak, or Kumarika Puja, is performed on this day to invoke the blessings of happiness, wealth, and good health.

Timings of Tithi

• Ashtami Tithi starts at 8:12 PM on April 4 and concludes at 7:26 PM on April 5.

• Navami Tithi starts at 7:26 PM on April 5 and concludes at 7:22 PM on April 6.

Muhurat Kanya Puja

On April 5, Ashtami

From 4:35 AM to 5:21 AM is Brahma Muhurat.

• Sandhya Pratah: 4:58–6:07 a.m.

Between 11:59 AM and 12:49 PM is Abhijit Muhurat.

On April 6, Navami

From 4:34 AM to 5:20 AM is Brahma Muhurat.

• Sandhya Pratah: 4:57–6:05 a.m.

Between 11:58 AM and 12:49 PM, Abhijit Muhurat

The Spiritual Significance of Navratri Chaitra

Chaitra Navratri is seen as a fortunate period for seeking heavenly direction, undergoing good change, and purifying oneself. The event emphasizes the strength of character, wisdom, and spiritual devotion. During this period, worshiping the Navdurga is said to remove impediments and satisfy good goals.

Honoring the Divine Feminine with Kanya Puja

On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, the practice known as Kanya Puja is done. The nine manifestations of Goddess Durga—Kumarika, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini, Kali, Chandika, Shambhavi, Durga, and Bhadra or Subhadra—are represented by the nine young girls who are worshipped.

Methodical Kanya Puja Rituals

1. Invite Nine Girls: Choose girls who are two to ten years old.

2. Purification: Wash and dry their feet gently before seating them with dignity.

3. Sacred Thread and Tilak: Apply vermilion on their foreheads and tie Kalawa (moli) around their wrists.

4. Provide a Sacred Meal: Offer customary fare like coconut, sweets, halwa, kheer, poori, and chana.

5. Blessings and Presents: Give them cash or presents such as school supplies, bangles, or new clothing.

6. Seek Blessings: To show respect and to ask for blessings, bow down and touch their feet.