Maha Navami 2025: Date, Rituals, Significance And Puja Traditions

Maha Navami marks the final day of Shardiya Navratri and is also the concluding day of the three most significant days of Durga Puja. It symbolises the end of the nine-day celebration and the culmination of fasting observed by many devotees. In 2025, Maha Navami will be celebrated on 1 October.

According to Hindu belief, this is the day when Maa Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. The battle is said to have begun on Maha Saptami and concluded on Navami. On this day, the Goddess is honoured in the forms of Mahishasuramardini and Maa Siddhidatri.

Maha Navami 2025 Tithi Timings

• Navami Tithi Begins: 30 September 2025 – 6:06 PM
• Navami Tithi Ends: 1 October 2025 – 7:01 PM

Maha Navami 2025 Puja & Rituals

The rituals for Maha Navami closely follow those of Maha Saptami and Maha Ashtami. The day typically begins with Nabapatrika Snan and Mahasnan.

• Nabapatrika Ritual: Nine sacred plants are tied together and bathed using Gangajal, symbolising the Nine Durgas.
• Mahasnan: A mirror reflecting Maa Durga’s image is ceremonially bathed with Gangajal, followed by Shodashopchar Puja (16-step worship).

Key Maha Navami Rituals

• Navami Puja

Devotees chant mantras, offer flowers and present bhog to Goddess Durga in her powerful warrior form.

• Traditional Offerings

Animal sacrifice was practised historically, but today symbolic offerings such as coconuts, pumpkins and fruit are used in its place.

• Navami Homa

A sacred fire ritual is performed, using ghee, grains and wood to represent purification and the destruction of negative forces.

• Durga Aarti

The day concludes with an aarti, where devotees sing hymns and wave diyas in devotion.

On the following day, the idol of Maa Durga is immersed in a water body, marking the end of the festivities.

Who Celebrates Maha Navami?

Maha Navami is observed across India, though regional practices vary.

• In Gujarat and Maharashtra, it is part of Navratri celebrations.
• In West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Bihar, it falls within Durga Puja.

Despite the variations, the devotion and enthusiasm are similar everywhere.

Maa Siddhidatri: The Giver of Spiritual Powers

On the ninth day of Navratri, Maa Durga is worshipped as Maa Siddhidatri.

• ‘Siddhi’ refers to divine powers that support spiritual attainment and liberation.
• ‘Datri’ means ‘the giver’.

Devotees believe that Maa Siddhidatri blesses them with wisdom and siddhis needed to overcome ignorance. She is revered as the Adi Shakti.

Navratri and Durga Puja: A National Celebration

Shardiya Navratri, known as Durga Puja in the eastern states, is one of India’s most beloved festivals. This period embodies joy, harmony, and devotion across communities.

The roots of this celebration go back centuries. Records from travellers in the 15th century describe the grandeur of Durga Puja in ancient cities like Hampi. Many historical texts mention the widespread celebration of this divine festival, often regarded as “The Grand Indian Festival.”