The auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 is set to begin on Sunday, March 30, with devotees across India and abroad preparing to celebrate nine spiritually significant days dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, known collectively as Navadurga. The first day, known as Pratipada, marks the commencement of rituals with Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana—an important rite that symbolises the invocation of divine energy.
Chaitra Navratri is observed during the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra (March-April) and holds immense spiritual and cultural value. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. Devotees observe various forms of penance and devotion, including fasting, meditation, chanting, and temple rituals throughout these nine days.
 

Ghatasthapana 2025: Date, Time and Rituals

The Ghatasthapana or Navratri Kalash Sthapana ritual is scheduled for March 30, 2025. It is the ceremonial installation of a sacred pot (Kalash), considered to be the symbolic embodiment of Goddess Durga. The act signifies the creation of a spiritual environment and is considered the foundation of Navratri worship.
 

Ghatasthapana Timings on March 30, 2025:

• Morning Muhurat: 6:13 AM to 10:22 AM

• Abhijit Muhurat: 12:01 PM to 12:50 PM

As per Hindu traditions, Kalash Sthapana should be performed during a muhurat for maximum spiritual benefit. The ritual involves purifying the puja area and placing a red cloth on a wooden platform (chowki). A pot filled with water is placed on the cloth and adorned with turmeric, vermilion, and five mango leaves. Barley seeds are sown in a clay pot placed beside the Kalash. Barley, being one of the earliest crops cultivated by humankind, symbolizes abundance and good harvest. Devotees must ensure the Kalash is placed in front of the image or idol of Goddess Durga. An Akhanda Deep (eternal lamp) is lit and kept burning throughout the nine days as a symbol of divine presence. Mantras are chanted to invoke the blessings of the Goddess. These rituals create an atmosphere of spiritual focus and offer a deep sense of connection with divine feminine energy. Performing the Sthapana with discipline and faith is believed to invite blessings of health, fortune, and wisdom into the household.
 

Nine-Day Chaitra Navratri 2025 Puja Schedule

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different manifestation of Goddess Durga. Devotees worship each form with specific mantras, offerings, and prayers, celebrating the virtues and powers represented by these divine energies.

Here is the nine-day schedule of Chaitra Navratri 2025:

• March 30, 2025 – Pratipada: Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja

• March 31, 2025 – Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja

• April 1, 2025 – Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja

• April 2, 2025 – Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja

• April 3, 2025 – Panchami: Skandamata Puja

• April 4, 2025 – Shashti: Katyayani Puja

• April 5, 2025 – Saptami: Kalaratri Puja

• April 6, 2025 – Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan

• April 7, 2025 – Navami: Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami

On each of these days, specific colors, bhog (offerings), and rituals are followed by devotees to honor the unique characteristics of each goddess. For instance, the worship of Shailputri on day one symbolizes strength and stability, while Mahagauri on Ashtami represents purity and inner peace. The eighth and ninth days, Ashtami and Navami, are especially significant. Kanya Pujan is performed on Ashtami, where young girls—considered incarnations of the goddess—are worshipped and fed. Navami is celebrated with fervor as it marks the culmination of Durga’s victory and also coincides with the birth of Lord Ram (Ram Navami), adding to the sanctity of the day.
 

With temples adorned, homes purified, and chants of devotion echoing across towns and cities, Chaitra Navratri offers a time of inner reflection, community prayer, and celebration of feminine divinity. From Ghatasthapana to Siddhidatri Puja, each moment in these nine days holds deep spiritual resonance for millions. As Chaitra Navratri 2025 approaches, devotees are encouraged to prepare early, observe rituals with devotion, and embrace the values of discipline, courage, and compassion that this sacred festival upholds.