As the sacred festival of Shardiya Navratri approaches, devotees across India are preparing for the most spiritually potent days of the celebration — Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami. In 2025, these days fall on September 30 (Tuesday) and October 1 (Wednesday) respectively.
Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, culminates in these two days of intense devotion, marked by Kanya Pujan, Sandhi Puja, and Saraswati Puja. These rituals symbolize the triumph of good over evil and the invocation of divine feminine energy.
Key Dates & Timings
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: Sept 29, 2025 – 4:31 PM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: Sept 30, 2025 – 6:06 PM
- Navami Tithi Begins: Sept 30, 2025 – 6:06 PM
- Navami Tithi Ends: Oct 1, 2025 – 7:01 PM
Ritual Highlights
1. Kanya Pujan (Worship of Young Girls)
- Invite 8 or 9 girls (symbolizing the Navadurgas)
- Wash their feet, offer flowers, tilak, and sweets
- Serve traditional meals like halwa, puri, and chana
- Offer gifts and seek blessings for prosperity and protection
2. Sandhi Puja
- Performed at the juncture of Ashtami and Navami
- Considered the most powerful moment of Navratri
- Involves chanting of Durga Saptashati and lighting 108 lamps
3. Saraswati Puja (Navami)
- Worship Goddess Saraswati for wisdom and learning
- Offer yellow flowers, fruits, and chant sacred mantras
Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi
- Preparation: Clean the puja area, decorate with rangoli and flowers
- Kalash Sthapana: Place a sacred pot with water, mango leaves, and coconut
- Durga Invocation: Chant mantras and offer kumkum, rice, and sweets
- Aarti & Bhog: Perform aarti and offer traditional food items
- Conclude with Gratitude: Distribute prasad and thank the Kanyas
These rituals are not just symbolic but deeply spiritual, promoting humility, compassion, and harmony in households. Observing Ashtami and Navami with devotion is believed to bring divine blessings and remove obstacles.
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