The Chhatra Yatra of Maa Manikeswari is a vibrant, culturally rich festival in the Kalahandi district of Odisha, India. This annual event is deeply woven into the traditions of the region and reflects the tribal, Tantric, and Hindu beliefs in a powerful blend of reverence, celebration, and ancient ritual. Chhatra Yatra 2025 date is October 1. Held on the auspicious day of Mahanavami during Navratri (September-October), the Chhatra Yatra draws thousands of devotees and showcases unique aspects of Odisha's cultural heritage. Importance and Symbolism Maa Manikeswari, the presiding deity of Kalahandi, is considered a powerful manifestation of the Shakti or Mother Goddess, who represents both creation and destruction. The Chhatra Yatra serves as a Vijaya Utsav or celebration of victory, marking the Goddess’s annual journey outside her temple to bless her devotees and affirm her presence and power within the community. The effigy of Maa Manikeswari is symbolically carried on a chhatr...

Sringeri witnesses a magnificent celebration of during Navratri each year. Goddess Sharadamba (a form of Goddess Saraswati, the deity of arts, music and learning) the presiding deity of Sri Sharadamba Temple graces her devotees with divine blessings, adorned in special Alankaram each 9 day of the festival. Navratri Festival 2025 date at Sringeri Sri Sharadamba Temple is from September 22 to October 1, 2025. The reigning Jagadguru Shankaracharya performs a special puja to Goddess Sharadamba at noon. A highlight of Sharan Navaratri is the nightly Darbar, a tradition dating back to the era of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Vidyaranya. The Darbar commences with the Jagadguru Shankaracharya, resplendent in royal attire, leading a procession in front of the Golden Ratha carrying Goddess Sharadambad. Following the Rathotsava, the Jagadguru assumes his seat on the Golden Throne, facing the divine presence of Goddess Sharadamba. The evening's devotional program includes the chanting of Sa...

Vijayadashami is the last day of the 10-day Dussehra festival and the day after the nine-day Navratri festival. The murtis of Goddess Durga are immersed on the day. Dussehra 2025 date is October 2. Vijayadashami 2025 is observed as Vidyarambham in Kerala (October 2) and it marks the end of Mysore Dasara. Please note that Durga Puja immersion is marked on October 2, 2025 in Bengal. Saraswati Puja comes to an end in many regions with Saraswati Balidan Puja on the day. Dasara Puja holidays are observed during the period starting from Mahalaya Pitru Paksha Amavasya (September 25). Note: Vijayadashami is marked on October 2, 2025 in certain calendars followed in North Dasara is marked on October 2, 2025 in South, East and Western parts of India. Vidyarambham in Kerala is marked on October 2, 2025. Immersion of Goddess Durga Murti is marked on October 2, 2025 in Bengal. Dussehra is marked on October 2, 2025 in calendars followed in Karnataka. Vijayadashami is marked on October 2,...

During the nine days of Navratri there is a custom of wearing 9 different colour dress – Sarees (Saree) and Churidar. There are 9 different Navratri colours in 2025. Information on what are the Navratri colours 2025 (September - October) usually appears a couple of days before in local Gujarati and Marathi newspapers. This is the latest information regarding the nine colors of Navratri in 2025 with date. The colors are not followed during Chaitra Navratri (March - April). The nine Navratri colors for 2025 are: Pratipada - September 22, 2025 (Monday) -  White       Dwitiya - September 23, 2025 (Tuesday) -  Red     Tritiya -  September 24, 2025  (Wednesday ) -  Blue (Royal Blue)  Chaturthi  - September 25, 2025 (Thursday) -  Yellow    Chaturthi -  September 26, 2025 (Friday ) -  Green     Panchami -  September 27, 2025 (Saturday ...

Bathukamma Panduga Festival is one of the most important and unique festival in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Bathukamma 2025 begins on September 22 and ends on October 1, 2025. It is also the state festival of Telangana. The festival is mainly observed by women and is dedicated to Goddess Bathukamma – who is an incarnation of Goddess Sati. The first day of Bathukamma Panduga is on  September 22 , 2025. The festival concludes on October 1, 2025 with Chaddula Bathukamma. Bathukamma means ‘come back to life mother’ and is asking Goddess Sati to return back. Legend has it that Sati returned as Goddess Parvati and therefore the festival is also dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The idol of the Goddess Bathukamma during the festival is made using flowers. The murti of Bathukamma is immersed in water on the final day of the festivities. During the Bathukamma festival girls and women arrange flowers on a big plate in vertical format – like a cone with a fl...

Sharad Navratri (September - October) is the nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Mother Goddess Durga and her numerous forms in Hindu religion. Sharad Navratri 2025 dates are from September 22 to October 2, 2025 in India as per Hindu Calendar. The festival is of great importance as it is the most significant festival dedicated to Mother Goddess in Hinduism. The nine-day festival of Navratri in Hinduism celebrates the victory of good over evil - Dharma overcomes Adharma with the blessing of Goddess Durga. The nine-day festival begins on the first day of the bright half of Ashwin or Ashwayuja (September-October) as per traditional Hindu lunar calendar. 2025 Navratri Calendar  Day 1 – September 22 – Ghatasthapana – Chandra Darshan –  Shailputri Puja Day 2 – September 23 –  Brahmacharini Devi Puja Day 3 – September 24 – Sindoor Tritiya –  Chitrangada Devi Puja Day 3 –  September 25 Day 4 – September 26 – Upang Lalita Vrat – ...

Navratri, meaning "nine nights," is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti and her various manifestations. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and is observed with devotion and joy across India. Below is an expanded guide to following Navratri with fasting methods, prayers, puja steps, clothing suggestions, and practical tips for modern times. 1. Preparing for Navratri Spiritual Preparation : Cleanse your home and puja space before the festival. Set up a sanctified area with idols or pictures of Goddess Durga or her forms such as Kali, Saraswati, or Lakshmi. Mental Preparation : Cultivate a positive mindset, avoid anger and negativity, and dedicate time for meditation and self-reflection. Purity of Lifestyle : Refrain from consuming meat, alcohol, onion, and garlic during the festival. 2. Fasting Methods Navratri fasting varies by tradition and individual preferences. Here are some common practices: Types of Fasts : Full F...

The Navarna Mantra, also known as Navakshari, holds significant importance in the recitation of Devi Mahatmya, also known as the Durga Saptashati or the Chandi. It comprises nine syllables: aim, hrim, klim, chamundaye, and vicce. Each syllable symbolizes various aspects of the Divine Mother, Durga, and the individual's journey towards spiritual liberation. The first three syllables, aim, hrim, and klim, represent Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi , and Mahakali, respectively, embodying the three primary aspects of the Divine Mother. These syllables also signify the eternal states of Sat (existence), Chit (consciousness), and Ananda (bliss). The word 'vicce' consists of three parts: vit, ca, and e, representing the physical, vital, and mental states of individuals. 'Chamundaye' refers to Chamunda, a form of the Divine Mother. The complete meaning of the mantra is understood as seeking the grace of Mother Chamunda to transcend the limitations of the physical, vital, a...

Dadhimati Mata Temple, nestled in the quaint town of Goth Manglod, Rajasthan, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of North India. This ancient Hindu temple has withstood the sands of time and is renowned for hosting vibrant celebrations during the Navratri festival. Dadhimati Mata Temple Navratri Mela festival 2025 – Chaitra Navratri Mela is from March 30 to April 6 (the most important days are April 5 and April 6). Ashwin Navratri Mela 2025 is from September 22 to October 1 (the most important days are September 30 and October 1) The Navratri festival at Dadhimati Mata Temple holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, drawing in over 100,000 pilgrims during the Dadhimata Chaitra Navratri Mela and Ashwin Navratri Mela. The festivities kick off with the installation of the sacred Kalash on the first day of Navratri, setting the stage for a series of religious and cultural events. A highlight of the celebration is the grand procession that takes plac...

The ninth and last day of Navratri festival is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri form of Durga. During Sharad Navratri She is worshipped on October 1, 2025. She is worshipped on April 6, 2025 during Chaitra Navratri. The day is also observed as Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja in many regions of India . Mahanavami is also observed on the ninth day. In Siddhi Dayini or Siddhidatri form, Goddess Durga showers knowledge which makes each soul realize Brahman. Goddess Renuka and Goddess Matangi form of Durga is also worshipped on the day in many parts of India . Goddess Siddhidatri is depicted as having four hands and she is surrounded by Siddhas, Gandharvas, Yakshas, Demons and Gods who are worshiping her and bathing in the light of knowledge she provides.  Ayudha Puja and Saraswati Puja are observed by many communities on the last day of Navratri and many people do not touch tools and books on the day as they are kept for Puja. Mahanavami is observed in Bengal, Oris...

The eighth day of Navratri of great significance and is dedicated to the Goddess Maha Gowri. She is worshipped on September 30, 2025 during Sharad Navratri. During Chaitra Navratri She is worshipped on April 5, 2025. Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Maha Gouri. Gowri or Gouri is another name of Goddess Parvati. The day is also the second day of Saraswati Puja during Navratri. Durga Ashtami Puja is held on this day in Bengal, Orissa and other parts of India . Goddess Bagala, Narayani and Bhadrakali form of Durga are also worshipped on this day in many parts of India . In Maha Gowri form, Goddess Durga is depicted as having four hands and she rides a Bull. In this form, Gowri is believed to have done penance to get Lord Shiva as husband. Durga Ashtami Puja is observed on this day in many parts of India mainly in Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and other eastern parts of India . Bagala and Narayani form of Durga is worshipped mainly in Gujarat and Maharasht...

Shastra Puja is held on the ninth day of the Navratri Festival – this is the Mahanavami day during Durga Puja. The weapons (Sastra or Astra) used by Goddess Durga are worshipped on this day. Shastra Puja 2025 date is October 1. Today, people worship the tools and objects that they use to earn a livelihood. Shastra Puja is also known as Ayudha Puja in South India . A similar ritual held during Durga Puja is the Astra Puja. Earlier, the kings used to worship the weapons used in war on the Shastra Puja day. Weapons like sword, spear, bow and arrow were kept for purification ritual on the day and they would remain untouched the whole day. After proper rituals they were taken on the next day. Today, people worship and perform purification rituals on objects they use to earn their bread.

Kalaratri form of Durga is worshipped on the seventh day of Navratri. She is worshipped on September 29, 2025 during Sharad Navratri. During Chaitra Navratri, She is worshipped on April 4, 2025. The day also marks the beginning of worship of Goddess Saraswathi during Navaratri in many parts of India . Goddess Durga is also worshipped as Dhoomavati and Jagdamba in some regions of India on the seventh day. Kalaratri is the one of the fiercest forms of Durga and her appearance itself evokes fear. Kalaratri is depicted as having four hands and her vehicle, or mount, is a donkey. She can curse and bless and is known to create havoc. This form primarily depicts that life also has a negative side – Tamas. The three day worship of Goddess Saraswati during Navratri also begins on this day. Durga Maha Saptami Puja is held in Bengal, Orissa, Jharkhand and other eastern parts of India on this day. Dhoomavati and Jagdamba forms of Durga are worshipped on this day m...

In the nine-day Navratri Puja, the sixth day is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani. She is worshipped on September 28, 2025 during Sharad Navratri. She is worshipped on April 3, 2025 during Chaitra Navratri. The day is also the last day of Lakshmi Puja during Navratri. Goddess Katyayani form of Durga appeared as the daughter to Sage Katya of Katya clan and thus she got the name Katyayani. Goddess Durga is also worshipped as Bhairavi and Maha Kali on this day in different regions of India . In this form of Goddess Katyayani, Durga is both benevolent and malevolent. This is also a daughter form of Durga. She can bless and also destroy. She is depicted as having four arms and rides a lion. This form of Mother Goddess has control over Brihaspati Navagraha.  Bhairavi and Mahakali aspect of Durga is worshipped on this day in western parts of India . The day is also observed as Durga Shashti day in Bengal, Orissa and other parts of Eastern India . Katyayani Devi ...

Maha Navami is observed on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) of Ashwin month. Maha Navami 2025 date is October 1. It is the ninth and the final day of nine-day Navratri Festival. Mahanavami is also the penultimate day of Durga Puja. Navami 2025 date during Chaitra/Vasant Navratri (March - April) is April 6. Story of Navami It is believed that Goddess Durga killed Demon Mahishasura on the day. Various Rituals Observed on Mahanavami The rituals associated with Navratri Maha Navami vary from region to region. In  South India , Maha Navami is observed as Ayudha Puja. All books, utensils and tools are kept for puja. People do not touch them. They are taken after puja on the Vijayadashami day. The Sandhi Puja which is observed on the conjunction of Ashtami and Navami overlaps into the Mahanavami puja day. This ritual is very popular in North and Eastern parts of India. In some regions,  Kumari Puja is performed on the day. A unique ritual...