From Navratri to Diwali: A Season of Faith, Light, and Celebration
The Indian holiday season has arrived — and it begins long before the rest of the world dives into celebrations!
Today marks the beginning of Navratri, a festival celebrated with great devotion and grandeur by Hindus worldwide. Navratri is a Hindu festival that lasts nine nights and ten days, followed by Dussehra, and culminating about a month later with the grand celebration of the Indian New Year—Diwali.
Navratri, which means “nine nights,” is a vibrant festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in all of her divine forms. Throughout these nine nights and ten days, devotees honor the goddess with prayers, rituals, and traditional dances. In 2025, Navratri will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1. Each day is marked by a unique color, with every color carrying its own symbolic significance and spiritual meaning.
Starting with Day 1, which represents the color yellow and the worship of the goddess Shailaputri. Shailaputri, known as the daughter of the mountain, symbolizes creation. Day 2 is the color green, and the worship of the goddess Brahmacharini represents devotion to worship. Day 3 is grey, and the worship of the goddess Chandraghanta symbolizes balance. Day 4 is orange, and the worship of the goddess Kushmanda represents the growth of life emerging from darkness.
Day 5 is the color white, and the worship of the goddess Skandamata emphasizes the protective nature of motherhood. Day 6 is red, and the worship of the goddess Katyayani ignites the warrior spirit to stand against evil. Day 7 is royal blue, and the worship of the goddess Kalaratri represents protection. Day 8 is the color pink, and the worship of the goddess Mahagauri represents purity. Lastly, Day 9 is purple, and the worship of the goddess Siddhidatri signifies devotion, drive, and prosperity.
Navratri is celebrated by keeping a vrat (fast) and following a sattvic diet. Foods such as sabudana chutney bombs, fruit chaat, vrat pakora, and samak rice kheer are commonly consumed. Ingredients such as onions, garlic, and certain spices are avoided.
During this sacred period, devotees perform daily puja, chant mantras, and offer special foods to Goddess Durga, including ghee, fruits such as apples and bananas, kheer, coconut, and sesame seeds. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated with lights, colorful lamps, and intricate rangoli designs.
The celebration concludes on the 10th day, known as Dussehra (Vijayadashami), which will be observed on October 2, 2025. This day marks the triumph of good over evil.
Following Dussehra, the festive spirit continues for the next few weeks as people prepare for Diwali, the biggest celebration of the year. Diwali will be celebrated on October 20, 2025. and is celebrated for five days. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and, in some regions of India, also marks the start of the New Year and a time for new beginnings.
Navratri is more than a festival—it is a sacred journey of soul cleansing, awakening of spirituality, and devotion. Over nine nights, family and friends come together performing pujas and traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya; each day of Navratri carries a special meaning. Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali together create a month-long season of celebration, inspiring Hindus worldwide to embrace faith, unity, and share values and traditions.
Patel Brothers wishes you and your family a Shubh and joyful holiday season ahead!
