Mark your calendars: Shardiya Navratri 2025 dates, significance
Shardiya Navratri is coming up soon—mark your calendars for September 22 to October 2, 2025.
This nine-day festival celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over the demon Mahishasura and the bigger idea that good always wins over evil.
It all wraps up with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), kicking off the festive season that leads right into Diwali.
Here's how Navratri is celebrated
Navratri starts with Ghatasthapana, where devotees invite Goddess Durga into a sacred kalash (pot).
People fast and honor nine different forms of Durga—each day has its own color and vibe.
In places like Maharashtra and Gujarat, you'll see women rocking a new color every day.
There's also lots of chanting, flower offerings, plus Garba and Dandiya nights that bring everyone together.
Spiritual significance of this year's Navratri
This year's Navratri aligns closely with the end of Pitru Paksha—a time for remembering ancestors—which gives it extra spiritual meaning.
The nine days are seen as a chance to reset spiritually and get blessings for the year ahead.
On Vijayadashami, communities across India celebrate good finally triumphing over evil—always a powerful reminder as festival season begins.