Bhubaneswar, Sept 22: Shardiya Navratri, one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga, will commence tomorrow and continue until October 1, 2025. The nine-day festival marks the arrival of the Goddess on Earth, with each day devoted to one of her nine divine forms.
This year’s Navratri will begin with the worship of Goddess Shailputri on September 22, the first day known as Pratipada. Devotees across the country are preparing for rituals, prayers, and traditional offerings that symbolise devotion and spiritual renewal.
Day 1 Rituals and Muhurat
The first day of Navratri holds great importance with the observance of Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, a ritual performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga. According to the Hindu calendar, Pratipada Tithi begins at 1:23 AM on September 22 and will end at 2:55 AM on September 23.
The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurat is between 6:09 AM and 8:06 AM, while the Abhijeet Muhurat falls between 11:49 AM and 12:38 PM. During this time, devotees will place a sacred kalash filled with water and topped with mango leaves and a coconut at their prayer altars, signifying the presence of the Goddess.
Significance of Maa Shailputri
Goddess Shailputri, literally translated as the “Daughter of the Mountain,” is considered the first manifestation of Goddess Durga. She is depicted riding a bull, holding a lotus in one hand and a trident in the other. Shailputri embodies purity, strength, and determination, and is also associated with the Muladhara Chakra, representing stability and a strong spiritual foundation.
Worshipping Maa Shailputri is believed to bring peace, strength, and balance to devotees’ lives.
Day 1 Puja Vidhi
On the first day, devotees light lamps and incense sticks to purify their surroundings, offer white flowers, milk, and white sweets to the Goddess, and chant sacred mantras or recite the Durga Saptashati. The puja concludes with an aarti, followed by the distribution of prasad.
Day 1 Colour: White
The designated colour for the first day of Navratri is white, symbolising purity and peace. Devotees traditionally wear white attire and make offerings in white, such as flowers and sweets, to align themselves with the blessings of Maa Shailputri.
