Shardiya or Sharad Navratri is a nine-day festival observed by Hinduism across India. This is dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Shardiya Navratri is celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin which usually falls on the Gregorian calendar between September and October. This year Navratri started from September 22, 2025, to Oct 2, 2025.
- Start Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
- Pratipada Tithi Begins: 01:23 AM on September 22, 2025
- Pratipada Tithi Ends: 02:55 AM on September 23, 2025
There are four Navratris –
- Magha (winter)
- Chaitra (spring)
- Ashadha (monsoon)
- Sharad or Shardiya(autumn)
People consider Sharad or Shardiya (autumn) to be the most important, so they also call it Maha Navratri.
The nine-day Shardiya or Sharad Navratri occurs in the lunar month of Ashwin the last two days (Ashtami and Navami) are most fervently observed during Sharad Ritu. Sharad means autumn it commences at the start of fall getting over with dussehra i.e. Dussehra is celebrated on the tenth day which is also known as Vijaya Dashami.
Goddess Durga, after a nine-day battle, finally killed the demon Mahishasura on the tenth day, earning the title “Mahishasuramardini,” which means the slayer of Mahishasur.
Vijayadashami, the 10th day of Navratri, marks Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and the return of Goddess Sita.
Dussehra (or Vijayadashami) will fall on Thursday, October 2, 2025, marking the end of the nine-day festival.
The Sharad Navratri 2025 dates are as follows:
| Day 1 (September 22) | Pratipada – Dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri |
| Day 2 (September 23) | Dwitiya – Worship of Goddess Skandamata |
| Day 3 (September 24) | Tritiya – Devoted to Goddess Chandraghanta |
| Day 4 (September 25) | Chaturthi – Honoring Goddess Kushmanda |
| Day 5 (September 26) | Panchami – Worship of Goddess Brahmacharini |
| Day 6 (September 27) | Shashthi – Devoted to Goddess Katyayani |
| Day 7 (September 28) | Saptami – Honoring Goddess Kalaratri |
| Day 8 (September 29) | Ashtami – Celebrating Goddess Mahagauri |
| Day 9 (September 30) | Navami – Worship of Goddess Siddhidatri |
| Day 10 (October 1) | Vijayadashami or Dussehra |
9 Days of Devotion: Easy Ways to Celebrate Chaitra Navratri
Timings for Vijayadashami 2025:
Vijayadashami Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Vijay Muhurat:
- Time: 02:09 PM to 02:56 PM
- Duration: 00 Hours 47 Minutes
Bengal Vijayadashami: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Aparahna Puja Time:
- Time: 01:21 PM to 03:44 PM
- Duration: 02 Hours 22 Minutes
Dashami Tithi:
- Begins: 07:01 PM on October 1, 2025
- Ends: 07:10 PM on October 2, 2025
Shravana Nakshatra:
- Begins: 09:13 AM on October 2, 2025
- Ends: 09:34 AM on October 3, 2025
The Nine Days of Sharad Navratri: Goddess, Colors, and Daily Significance
1: Goddess Shailaputri (Yellow) – Represents strength and stability. The color yellow signifies positivity and warmth.
2: Goddess Skandamata (Green) – Associated with growth and tranquility.
3: Goddess Chandraghanta (Grey) – Symbolizes bravery and courage.
4: Goddess Kushmanda (Orange) – Linked to the creation of the universe, orange symbolizes enthusiasm.
5: Goddess Brahmacharini (White) – White represents purity and serenity.
6: Goddess Katyayani (Red) – Red signifies courage and boldness.
7: Goddess Kalaratri (Blue) – Blue represents strength and protection from evil.
8: Goddess Mahagauri (Pink) – The color of love, beauty, and compassion.
9: Goddess Siddhidatri (Purple) – Symbolizing ambition and spiritual power.
Devotees dress in these colors during the nine days of Navratri to honor the goddess associated with each day.
Nine Days, Nine Colors: Celebrate Navratri with Colors
Dishes that you can eat while you’re fasting this Sharad Navratri
- Kuttu poori/paratha
- Aloo sabzi (with vrat-friendly spices and vegetables)
- Makhana kheer
- Sabudana tikki
- Samak khichdi
- Sabudana khichdi
- Paneer sabzi (with vrat-friendly spices and vegetables)
- Singhare poori/paratha
- Kuttu pakode
- Dahi aloo sabzi
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