Sharadiya, Chaitra And Gupt Navratri Explained: How Are These Different? | Astrology News

Sharadiya, Chaitra, and Gupt Navratri differ in timing and rituals. (News18)

The sacred festival of Sharadiya Navratri is set to begin on September 22, 2025. This auspicious nine-day festival marks the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth, as she leaves Mount Kailash to visit her maternal home. She is believed to be accompanied by Lord Shiva and her sons, Kartikeya and Ganesha. Devotees observe this time by installing a Kalash (sacred vessel) and worshipping the nine forms of the Goddess Durga.

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a different form of the goddess, with special prayers on Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami. The festival concludes with Kanya Pujan (worship of young girls) and a havan (sacred fire ritual).

While many associate Navratri with these popular rituals, there are actually three major types of Navratri celebrated throughout the year: Sharadiya Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, and Gupt Navratri. Here’s how they differ:

Sharadiya Navratri

• Celebrated in autumn, starting from the Pratipada Tithi of the Ashwin Shukla Paksha, and ending on the Dashami Tithi with Durga Visarjan.
• According to the Gregorian calendar, it usually falls in September or October.
• This Navratri is most widely celebrated, especially in West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, with grand Durga Puja pandals and idol immersions.
• It follows Pitru Paksha and ushers in the festive season, leading to Dussehra (Vijayadashami), where effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burnt after Ramlila enactments.

Chaitra Navratri

• Begins on the Pratipada of Chaitra Shukla Paksha, marking the start of the Hindu New Year.
• Falls in March or April in the English calendar.
• Though Navdurga is worshipped and fasting observed, idol immersion, Ramlila, and Ravana effigy burning do not occur.
• Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama, is celebrated on the ninth day.
• Primarily a spring festival, more spiritual and less ceremonial compared to Sharadiya Navratri.

Gupt Navratri

• Celebrated twice a year: Magh Gupt Navratri (Jan–Feb) and Ashadha Gupt Navratri (June–July).
• Focuses on Tantra, spiritual sadhana, and worship of the 10 Mahavidyas instead of Navdurga.
• These include deities like Kali, Tara, Tripura Sundari, and others, manifestations of Goddess Durga’s supreme power.
• Considered especially potent for those seeking siddhis (spiritual powers) and liberation (moksha).
• Celebrated more privately, often by spiritual seekers and sadhakas.

Though each Navratri has a unique purpose and energy, Sharadiya Navratri remains the most celebrated and culturally vibrant form, filled with devotion, rituals, and festivity.