Maha Navami 2025: Significance, rituals, and best timings
Maha Navami, the grand finale of Navratri, is happening on Wednesday, October 1 this year.
The day is all about honoring Maa Siddhidatri—the ninth form of Goddess Durga—who's believed to grant spiritual powers.
The official timing for Navami starts September 30 at 6:06pm and wraps up on October 1 at 7:01pm.
Kanya Pujan is a highlight of the day
Devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri with special prayers and rituals.
One highlight is Kanya Pujan, where girls aged two to 10 are welcomed as symbols of the Goddess—this year's best times for the ritual are from 4:53am to 5:41am and again from 8:06am to 9:50am.
Homes get cleaned up, a simple feast (think halwa, puri, kale chane) is prepared without onion or garlic, and gifts or blessings are given to the young guests before they're warmly sent off.