Navratri Dates 2025 – All You Need to Know

Navratri pops up every year, but the exact dates change. If you’re wondering when the nine‑night festival lands in 2025, you’re in the right spot. Below you’ll get the official dates, a quick guide on how they’re set, and some practical advice for making the most of the celebrations.

Official Navratri Dates for 2025

In 2025, Navratri starts on Saturday, October 4 and ends on Sunday, October 12. The final day, Vijayadashami, falls on Monday, October 13. These dates follow the traditional Hindu lunar calendar, where Navratri begins on the ashwin krishna paksha pratipada (the first day after the full moon in the month of Ashwin).

How the Dates Are Determined

The festival is tied to the moon’s cycle, not the solar calendar most of us use daily. Scholars look at the position of the moon and the sun, then decide when the bright (shukla) and dark (krishna) fortnights start. Because the lunar cycle is about 29.5 days, the start of Navratri shifts by roughly 10‑12 days each year.

Regional customs can add a twist. In Gujarat and many parts of North India, the focus is on the nine nights of the dark fortnight. In West Bengal and parts of the South, people often celebrate the bright fortnight (known as Durga Puja), which can start a few days earlier. So, while the core dates above cover most of the country, you might see a slightly different schedule in local calendars.

Want to double‑check? A quick look at a reputable Hindu almanac (Panchang) for 2025 will confirm the dates. Most online calendars now list Navratri with the exact start and end days, making it easy to add to your phone.

Now that you know the dates, here’s how to get ready.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Navratri

Mark your calendar early. Add the dates to your work planner or phone reminders. Since many businesses and schools adjust schedules, a heads‑up helps avoid surprise clashes.

Plan your fasting and meals. If you follow a fast, decide whether you’ll do a full fast, fruit‑only, or a light vegetarian diet. Stock up on dates, nuts, and seasonal veggies a few days in advance to keep the kitchen stress‑free.

Dress up wisely. Navratri is famous for its vibrant outfits and accessories. Pick your garba dresses early so you have time for tailoring or a quick shop.

Arrange community events. Whether you’re joining a local garba night or hosting a family puja, book the venue early. Many community halls fill up fast during the festival period.

Stay safe. The evenings can get crowded, especially in markets and temples. Keep a small emergency kit (water, basic meds, phone charger) handy.

If you travel for Navratri, check the local festive calendar of your destination. Some places kick off celebrations a day earlier, while others may extend the festivities into the next week.

Finally, remember that Navratri isn’t just about dates—it’s about the spirit of devotion, dance, and togetherness. Use the calendar as a guide, but let the joy of the festival lead the way.

Happy Navratri! May the nine nights bring you energy, peace, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.