Chaitra Navratri 2025 Begins: Important Fasting Rules, Puja Rituals, and Do’s & Don’ts

Chaitra Navratri starts on March 30, 2025, and will be observed until April 6. Devotees worship nine different forms of Maa Durga across these nine days. This year, it is considered especially auspicious as the Goddess is believed to arrive riding an elephant, a sign of prosperity and fortune. The Navratri fast will be concluded on April 7, after Kanya Pujan.

Rules for Fasting and Diet During Navratri

Even if you are not fasting, avoid consuming non-vegetarian food during Navratri.

Those observing fasts may eat:

Fruits

Milk

Water chestnut flour (singhara atta)

Buckwheat flour (kuttu atta)

Makhana

Tapioca (sabudana)

Avoid tamasic foods like garlic and onion.

Use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.

Do not consume grains or salt before Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami.

What to Avoid During Chaitra Navratri

Follow complete celibacy if you are observing the fast.

Avoid:

Anger

Lying

Criticism

Arrogance

Do not cut hair, nails, or shave during the Navratri period.

Ensure your house is kept clean and pure throughout the festival.

Daily Routine and Puja Care

Sleep early at night and wake up early each morning.

Keep puja prasad and water in a clean, sacred place.

Fasting should be done with devotion and discipline.

Performing the Puja with family members is considered highly auspicious.

Worship Guidelines for Each Day of Navratri

Each day, a different form of Goddess Durga is worshiped. Offer flowers, bhog, and prayers accordingly. You may also recite:

Shri Durga Saptashati

Shri Durga Chalisa

Devi Mahatmya

Note: This year, due to the absence of Tritiya Tithi on March 31, the worship of Maa Brahmacharini and Maa Chandraghanta will take place on the same day.

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