Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on March 30, marking the start of the Hindu lunar new year. This nine-day festival is dedicated to honoring Maa Durga in her nine different forms, known as Navdurga. During this time, many devotees observe fasting and follow special rituals. The festival will conclude on April 7 with Ram Navami.
Here’s a guide to the Dos and Don’ts to follow while observing the Chaitra Navratri fast, making sure you have a spiritually enriching experience.
1. Chaitra Navratri: Start Your Day with Purity
Begin your day with a cleansing bath to refresh your mind and body. Before performing any rituals, clean your puja area. Once done, recite Maa Durga mantras, perform the aarti, and offer her a bhog (offering) made of sweets and simple, pure foods.
2. Worship the Nine Avatars of Maa Durga
Each day of the festival is dedicated to a specific form of Maa Durga, such as Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, and Maa Siddhidatri. Devotees should honor each avatar with devotion and sincerity.
3. Dress According to the Day’s Color
Each avatar of Maa Durga is associated with a specific color. Wearing new, clean clothes in the shade of the day is considered auspicious and helps connect with the energy of the goddess.
4. Perform Ghatasthapana Ritual on Day One
On the first day of Navratri, perform the Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, which is the most significant ritual. It should be done during Pratipada (the first day of the lunar phase).
5. Maintain Cleanliness in Your Home
Cleanliness is key during Navratri. Thoroughly clean your home before the festival begins and keep your surroundings pure and tidy throughout the nine days.
6. Observe a Clean Diet: Avoid Non-Veg, Grains, and Alcohol
Navratri fasting is meant to purify your mind and body. Avoid grains, non-veg food, alcohol, and certain spices. Many people choose to eat fruits, milk, and light vegetarian dishes. Common fasting foods include kuttu, sabudana, rajgira, makhana, and potatoes. Dairy products like milk, paneer, dahi, and buttermilk are also recommended as they are considered pure (satvik).
7. Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami
On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, invite young girls, called Kanyas, to your home for Kanya Pujan. Wash their feet and offer them food and gifts, as they are believed to embody Goddess Shakti.
8. Stay Calm and Positive
Avoid negativity during the festival. Refrain from lying, arguing, or using harsh words. Keep your mind and speech pure by maintaining a peaceful and calm demeanor throughout the nine days.
9. Avoid Wearing Black
It’s important to stay away from black clothes during this sacred period. Instead, wear colors that reflect positivity and spiritual growth.
10. Respect the Kalash
Once the Kalash (sacred pot) is placed during the Ghatasthapana ritual, do not move it until the Visarjan (immersion) ceremony on the final day. This practice is considered very important.
