Mumbai: The holy festival of Chaitra Navratri is just around the corner and is set to begin on 30 March 2025. This nine-day festival, which marks the onset of the Hindu New Year, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. In some years, Navratri is celebrated over eight days instead of nine, depending on the tithi (Hindu lunar calendar).

It is widely believed that sincere devotion and worship during Navratri can bring peace, happiness, and the fulfilment of desires. However, certain traditional practices and taboos must be observed to gain the full spiritual benefit of the festival. For first-time observers of the Navratri fasts, it is especially important to understand what actions should be avoided during this sacred period.

Chaitra Navratri 2025: Kalash Stohapana Muhurat

The festival begins with the ritual of Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) on the first day. For Chaitra Navratri 2025, the most auspicious time for Kalash Sthapana is from 6:13 AM to 10:22 AM on 30 March. The total duration of this shubh muhurat is 4 hours and 8 minutes.

What to Do During Navratri

1. Follow a sattvik (pure vegetarian) diet throughout the nine days.
2. Engage wholeheartedly in prayer, rituals, and devotion.
3. Worship the Goddess with peace and reverence.
4. Perform charitable deeds and acts of kindness.
5. Focus on meditation and maintaining a positive mindset.
6. Use rock salt (sendha namak) in food preparations.
7. Conduct Kanya Pujan on the Eighth (Ashtami) or Ninth (Navami) Day.

What Not to Do During Navratri

1. Avoid using leather products during the festival.
2. Refrain from consuming meat, fish, alcohol, onions, and garlic.
3. Do not cut nails, hair, or shave during these days.
4. Maintain a peaceful environment at home; avoid conflicts.
5. Do not disrespect elders or engage in arguments.
6. Avoid sleeping during the day while fasting.
7. Do not consume mustard or sesame seeds during Navratri.
8. Ensure your home is not left in darkness at night.
9. Fasters should avoid sleeping on a bed during the nine days.

By adhering to these traditional dos and don’ts, devotees can enhance the spiritual impact of their Navratri observance and invoke the blessings of Goddess Durga in their lives.

(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)