Chaitra Navratri 2025 Fasting Guide: Essential Dos and Don’ts for a Sacred Observance

Chaitra Navratri, a nine-day Hindu festival, marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar year. Celebrated with immense devotion, it honors the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga , known as Navdurga. In 2025, Chaitra Navratri starts on March 30 with Ghatasthapana and concludes on April 7 with Ram Navami. Fasting during this period is a significant spiritual practice. To observe it correctly, here are key dos and don’ts to follow.

Dos: Observing Navratri with Purity

✅ Start Your Day with Cleanliness

• Take a bath early in the morning and clean the puja area before worship.
• Recite Maa Durga mantras, perform aarti, and offer satvik bhog like sweets and fruits.

✅ Honor the Nine Avatars of Maa Durga

• Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga—Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri, and Maa Siddhidatri.

✅ Follow the Color Code

• Each day has a dedicated auspicious color. Wearing clean clothes in the specific color enhances positivity.

✅ Perform Ghatasthapana Ritual

• The Kalash Sthapana on the first day is crucial and must be done during the Pratipada tithi.

✅ Maintain Cleanliness at Home

• Ensure your house remains clean and spiritually pure throughout the festival.

✅ Follow the Right Fasting Diet

• Consume fruits, milk, paneer, buttermilk, makhana, singhare ka atta, kuttu, sabudana, and samak ke chawal.

• Use only rock salt and light spices for cooking.

✅ Observe Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami

• Invite young girls, wash their feet, and serve them food as they symbolize Goddess Shakti.

Don’ts: Practices to Avoid During Navratri

❌ Avoid Certain Foods

• Refrain from eating grains, onion, garlic, non-vegetarian food, and processed items.

❌ Do Not Move the Kalash

• Once Ghatasthapana is done, the Kalash should remain undisturbed until the final day.

❌ Stay Away from Negative Speech and Behavior

• Avoid arguments, falsehoods, and harsh language. Maintain a peaceful and positive demeanor.

❌ Refrain from Wearing Black Clothes

• Black is considered inauspicious during Navratri; opt for brighter traditional colors.

By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure a spiritually fulfilling and auspicious Chaitra Navratri in 2025. May Maa Durga bless you with health, happiness, and prosperity!