Navratri 2025 Begins: Devotees Honor Goddess Shailputri

By Amit Kumar

Navratri 2025 begins on Monday, September 22. The festival will continue until October 2. On the first day, the form of Goddess Durga worshipped is Maa Shailputri, considered the daughter of the Himalayas. The main ritual performed is Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), which involves installing a sacred pot containing water, coins, supari (betel nut), raw rice, five mango leaves, and a coconut. The recommended time (muhurat) for Ghatasthapana on September 22 is 6:11 AM to 7:52 AM.

Devotees wear white clothing, which is also the prescribed colour for the first day of Navratri. The puja setup should include an oil lamp, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, and sweets. Jasmine flowers and desi ghee are also offered as bhog to Maa Shailputri. The mantra recited is “Om Devi Shailputryai Namah”.

These rituals mark the official start of Navratri 2025.