Chaitra Navratri 2025 / This time Navratri will be of 8 days- Muhurta of 4 hours and 49 minutes for installation

Basantik Navratri will last only 8 days this year, starting on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and concluding on April 6. Due to the loss of Tritiya Tithi, Navratri will be observed for 8 days instead of the usual 9. The best time for Ghatasthapana on March 30 will be from sunrise until 12:49 PM, with two auspicious periods totaling 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Auspicious Timing for Ghatasthapana

According to Prof. Vinod Shastri, General Secretary of Rajasthan Jyotish Parishad and Research Institute, Jaipur, Basantik Navratri will commence on March 30. Performing Ganesh Puja before Ghatasthapana is considered auspicious.

• Sunrise: 6:26 AM

• Best Time for Ghatasthapana: 6:26 AM to 10:26 AM (four-hour morning period)

• Abhijit Muhurat: 12:09 PM to 12:49 PM (if morning time is missed)

Rare Planetary Alignment

Prof. Vinod Shastri stated that on the night before Navratri, at 9:44 PM on March 29, Saturn will enter Pisces. This will have an impact on Pisces, Aries, and Aquarius signs due to the effects of Sade Sati. During Navratri, the Sun, Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Moon will all be in Pisces, a rare celestial event occurring for the first time in the 21st century. This planetary combination is believed to signify global political, economic, and environmental changes.

Important Aspects of Fasting

• Who Should Avoid Fasting?
  • Children, elderly individuals, and those with illnesses should refrain from strict fasting.

• How to Observe the Fast?
  • Devotees and householders can observe the fast by consuming light food or fruits once a day for 9 days. It is essential to continue the fast until Navami.

Significance of Ashtami and Navami

The eighth and ninth days of Navratri hold special significance for Kanya Puja. On these days, nine young girls are worshipped as divine forms of Goddess Durga. They are offered food, clothes, and gifts. If Kanya Puja cannot be performed on Ashtami, it can be done on Navami.

Why is Navratri Only 8 Days This Year?

Usually, Navratri lasts for 9 days, but due to the loss of Tritiya Tithi this year, it will be observed for only 8 days. On March 31, both Dwitiya and Tritiya Tithi coincide, and since Tritiya ends before sunrise, the combined worship of Goddess Brahmacharini and Goddess Chandraghanta will take place on this day. A reduction in the number of Navratri days is not considered auspicious. This phenomenon is believed to indicate global instability, potential financial losses, societal disharmony, political uncertainty, and natural calamities like storms, fires, accidents, floods, and droughts.

Significance of Gangaur Puja

Tritiya Tithi during Basantik Navratri is also significant for Gangaur Puja. Married and newlywed women perform Gangaur Puja on this day. This worship, which begins on Holi, concludes on Tritiya Tithi.

Religious Importance of Navratri

Navratri is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Sometimes, Navratri lasts for 10 days, which is considered highly auspicious as it extends the time for Goddess worship. However, a reduction in Navratri days is not regarded as a good omen. According to religious beliefs, the loss of Tritiya Tithi this year has resulted in an 8-day Navratri, which could lead to global instability.