Last Updated:
Due to a rare lunar calendar alignment, Navratri 2025 will last 10 days instead of 9 — a mix of astronomical precision and spiritual significance.
The nine nights of Navratri are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. (News18)
Navratri 2025: This year, the Sharadiya Navratri in 2025 will be observed over 10 days instead of the usual 9. This extension is not based solely on religious customs but is due to astronomical alignments in the lunar calendar.
Navratri will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1, with Vijayadashami falling on October 2.
Why 10 Days This Time?
The reason lies in a rare celestial coincidence: the Chaturthi Tithi will span two days, meaning both September 25 and 26 will be observed as Chaturthi. As a result, the total number of days in Navratri has increased. This phenomenon is rare and is determined by the phases of the moon and tithi (lunar day) calculations.
Such calendar shifts stretch the festival’s duration, and from a religious viewpoint, this is seen as auspicious. Scriptures state that extended worship of the Goddess yields greater spiritual benefits.
Although this extension is grounded in astronomical science, it is celebrated joyfully in religious tradition. These shifts occur due to natural phenomena, including the Earth’s revolution around the Sun and seasonal changes.
Why Does Navratri Coincide With Equinoxes?
The Earth’s orbit results in seasonal transitions in March and September, where day and night are roughly equal. The main Navratris, Chaitra (spring) and Sharadiya (autumn), fall around these times.
Though only Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are widely celebrated, there are four Navratris in total each year. The other two are called Gupt Navratris (Secret Navratris), observed mainly for spiritual and tantric practices.
What Are Gupt Navratris?
The Ashadha and Magh Gupt Navratris focus on spiritual disciplines like mantra chanting, meditation, and fasting. These are considered ideal for those pursuing deeper tantric sadhanas and are observed quietly, hence the name Gupt (secret).
During this period, devotees worship the ten Mahavidyas — forms of the Divine Mother — namely goddesses Kali, Tara, Tripurasundari, Chinnamasta, Baglamukhi, Dhumavati, Matangi, Kamala, Bhairavi and Bhubaneshwari. Their worship is believed to grant rare spiritual powers and deeper insight.
Why Do Navratri Dates Vary?
Navratri’s dates are determined by the Moon’s cycle, not the solar calendar. Therefore, a lunar day (tithi) may occasionally stretch over two days, or appear twice. This results in either an extended or shortened Navratri, depending on the year.
Religious scholars and scientists agree that these variations are purely astronomical adjustments, not changes in tradition.
Health And Spiritual Benefits Of Navratri
Navratri also aligns with seasonal health transitions. As the body adjusts to changing weather, fasting during Navratri helps detoxify and strengthen the immune system. It’s a time for spiritual reflection, healthier eating, and boosting overall well-being.
Science supports these practices as they reduce the risk of seasonal infections and improve overall health.
Mythological And Religious Significance
Navratri’s roots are found in ancient scriptures like the Devi Purana and Indian epics like the Ramayana. The nine nights are dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama worshipped the Goddess during Ashwin Shukla Paksha Navratri before his victory over Ravana. Pleased with his devotion, the Goddess granted him success in battle.
September 22, 2025, 14:58 IST
Read More
