Chaitra Navratri is the spring version of the nine‑day Durga festival that marks the Hindu New Year in many northern states. The seventh day, known as Saptami, falls on 5 April 2025 and is dedicated to the fierce form of the goddess, Maa Kalaratri. If you’re planning to observe the day, you’ll want the exact timings, fasting rules and simple steps for worship.
The festival starts on 30 March 2025 and runs till 7 April. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the Saptami tithi begins at dawn on 5 April and ends at sunset the same day. The auspicious time (muhurat) for Kalaratri puja is between 07:45 am and 09:30 am, when the sun is in the Kanya (Virgo) sign. Many devotees also perform a second round of prayers after the evening aarti, usually around 6:30 pm.
On Saptami, most people keep a strict fast – no grains, no pulses, and only fruits, nuts or milk. The idea is to keep the body light and focus on the goddess’s fierce energy. Start the day with a simple bath, wear clean cotton clothes and set up a small altar with a Kalaratri idol or picture.
Light a lamp, offer a few incense sticks and chant the Kalaratri mantra – “Om Kalaratriye Namaha”. If you can, recite the Durga Saptashati or at least the Kalaratri verses. A small offering of sweet coconut, red flowers and jaggery is traditional. Many families also keep a bowl of water nearby for the goddess to bless the home.
After the puja, break the fast with a light meal – fruit chaat, dry fruit laddus or a glass of buttermilk. The fast ends at sunset, so you have the whole day to stay focused on devotion, avoid heavy work and keep a calm mindset.
Why Kalaratri? She represents the darkest hour before the sunrise. Devotees believe that worshipping her on Saptami removes fear, protects against negative influences and brings new strength for the year ahead. It’s also a good time to let go of old grudges and start fresh.
If you’re new to the ritual, you don’t need a grand setup. A simple candle, a small picture and a heartfelt prayer work just as well. The key is to keep the mind steady and the heart open.
Many temples in Delhi, Lucknow and Punjab hold special Kalaratri gatherings on this day. Attending a community puja can add a sense of togetherness and give you a chance to learn the chants from experienced priests.
Remember, the spirit of Navratri is about inner strength and devotion. Whether you fast, pray, or just read about the goddess, the goal is to feel connected to the tradition and start the Hindu New Year on a positive note.
April 5, 2025 marks the seventh day (Saptami) of Chaitra Navratri, focusing on Maa Kalaratri worship. The nine‑day spring festival runs from March 30 to April 7, celebrating Durga's victory over evil and the Hindu New Year in northern India. Rituals, fasting, and auspicious timings are highlighted for devotees.
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