Navratri is one of the most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals in India, celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm. Observed twice a year, this festival marks the triumph of good over evil and is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. People from different parts of the country eagerly wait for the festival, preparing days in advance for the rituals, fasting, and celebrations. A common question that arises every year is: ‘Kab se start hai Navratri?’ or ‘When does Navratri begin?’ The answer depends on the lunar calendar and the regional traditions followed across India.
Types of Navratri Celebrated in India
Chaitra Navratri
This Navratri is celebrated during the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April), marking the beginning of the Hindu New Year in several regions. It usually falls in the spring season and is more commonly observed in northern parts of India. The festival starts on the Pratipada (first day) of Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of Chaitra month.
Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri is the most widely celebrated and recognized version of the festival. It occurs in the autumn season, during the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October). The festival starts on the Pratipada of Ashwin Shukla Paksha and continues for nine days, ending on Vijayadashami or Dussehra, the tenth day.
Other Lesser-Known Navratris
- Magha Navratri: Celebrated in January-February, mainly for spiritual practices.
- Ashadha Navratri: Observed in June-July and is less popular, mostly practiced by saints and hermits.
How Navratri Dates Are Determined
Based on the Lunar Calendar
The Hindu calendar is based on lunar phases, which means the dates for Navratri change every year when converted to the Gregorian calendar. The festival begins with the new moon (Amavasya) and is celebrated for nine nights and ten days. To find out ‘Kab se start hai Navratri’ each year, Hindu astrologers and calendars (Panchang) are consulted.
2025 Navratri Start Dates
For reference, here are the anticipated start dates of Navratri in 2025:
- Chaitra Navratri 2025: Starts on March 30, 2025
- Sharad Navratri 2025: Begins on September 23, 2025
These dates may vary slightly depending on local observances and the exact time of the new moon in different time zones.
Significance of the Nine Days
Goddess Durga’s Nine Forms
Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to a specific form of Goddess Durga. The order and names may vary slightly by tradition, but commonly they are:
- Day 1 – Shailaputri
- Day 2 – Brahmacharini
- Day 3 – Chandraghanta
- Day 4 – Kushmanda
- Day 5 – Skandamata
- Day 6 – Katyayani
- Day 7 – Kalaratri
- Day 8 – Mahagauri
- Day 9 – Siddhidatri
Devotees perform different rituals, offer prayers, fast, and often wear clothes of specific colors corresponding to the goddess of the day.
Navratri and Fasting
Fasting is an integral part of Navratri for many devotees. People avoid grains and non-vegetarian food, sticking to sattvic meals that may include fruits, milk, potatoes, and special flours like buckwheat or water chestnut flour. The idea is to purify the body and mind to connect spiritually with the divine feminine energy.
Rituals and Customs Associated with Navratri
Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)
The festival begins with the ritual of Kalash Sthapana, where a sacred pot filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut is placed on a bed of grains. This ritual symbolizes the invocation of Goddess Durga and the start of the spiritual journey.
Daily Puja and Aarti
Each day involves the worship of one of the nine forms of the goddess. Devotees light a diya (lamp), offer flowers, sweets, and chant mantras or sing devotional songs. The aarti performed every evening brings families together in collective prayer.
Kanya Pujan
On the eighth or ninth day, young girls are invited and worshipped as representations of the goddess. They are offered food, gifts, and blessings. This ritual, known as Kanya Pujan, is especially popular in northern India.
Navratri Celebrations Across India
Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat
One of the most iconic images of Navratri comes from Gujarat, where people gather every night to perform Garba and Dandiya dances. Dressed in traditional attire, the festivities include music, dance, and community celebration that lasts until late at night.
Durga Puja in West Bengal
In Bengal and eastern states, Navratri coincides with Durga Puja. Here, massive idols of Goddess Durga are installed in elaborately decorated pandals. The last five days of Navratri are especially grand, culminating in Dashami with the immersion of idols and emotional farewells.
Golu Festival in South India
In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, Navratri is celebrated through the Golu festival. Dolls are arranged on steps in themed displays, and women invite each other for prayers and exchange of gifts. Classical music and dance performances are also common during this time.
Why Knowing ‘Kab Se Start Hai Navratri’ Matters
Understanding the exact date when Navratri begins helps devotees prepare for the rituals, make travel plans, and align their spiritual goals. Many families plan special pujas, initiate new ventures, and make lifestyle changes during this sacred period. In many regions, markets become busy with people shopping for new clothes, decorations, and puja items. Knowing the start date is important not only for spiritual reasons but also for cultural and social participation.
Navratri is more than just a festival it is a spiritual journey, a celebration of divine feminine energy, and a time for personal renewal. Asking Kab se start hai Navratri is a question filled with anticipation and faith. The festival brings people together through devotion, dance, fasting, and shared cultural experiences. Whether you observe it with deep spiritual rituals or simply enjoy the community celebrations, knowing when Navratri begins allows you to connect more deeply with its meaning and significance. Every year, as the date approaches, homes and hearts light up in preparation for nine nights of devotion, joy, and transformation.