Navratri 2025 is a celebration of the divine feminine energy or Shakti in its various forms. Across India, it is observed with devotion, vibrant rituals, fasting, and cultural festivities. While the festival begins with the worship of Devi Shailputri and continues through the worship of the nine forms of Durga, the concluding days i.e., Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami (Dussehra) hold a particularly profound spiritual and cultural importance. These final days symbolise the culmination of devotion, the victory of good over evil, and the reinforcement of moral and spiritual lessons that the festival imparts.
Ashtami: The Eighth Day of Devotion
The eighth day of Navratri 2025, known as Ashtami, is considered one of the most sacred days of the festival. It is dedicated to Devi Mahagauri, who represents purity, serenity, and forgiveness. Devotees believe that worshipping her on this day cleanses the mind and soul, removing past sins and negative energies. Ashtami is also closely associated with Kanya Puja, a ritual where nine young girls, symbolizing the nine forms of Durga, are worshipped as embodiments of the divine feminine.
Across India, Kanya Puja is celebrated with deep reverence. Devotees wash the feet of young girls, offer them food, sweets, and gifts, and pray for blessings of prosperity, health, and spiritual upliftment. This ritual highlights the importance of respect for women and children, reinforcing the cultural notion that nurturing and honoring the feminine is vital for a harmonious society. In northern India, particularly in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Kanya Puja is performed with elaborate arrangements, while in Maharashtra and Gujarat, it is often combined with community gatherings and special prayers in temples.
Fasting is another integral aspect of Ashtami. Many devotees observe a strict fast, consuming only fruits, milk, or sattvic meals, while others break their fast after the evening rituals. The spiritual essence of fasting during Navratri, especially on Ashtami, lies in self-discipline, purification, and focusing the mind on devotion.
Navami: The Ninth Day of Triumph
The ninth day, known as Navami, is dedicated to Devi Siddhidatri, the granter of supernatural powers and divine wisdom. Worshipping Siddhidatri on this day is believed to endow devotees with spiritual knowledge, courage, and clarity of thought. The rituals of Navami often involve special prayers, recitation of the Durga Saptashati, and offerings to the goddess. In many regions, Navami is considered the day when preparations for Vijayadashami begin, symbolising the readiness to embrace the victory of righteousness over evil.
Navami is also marked by community worship in temples, where devotees gather to chant mantras, perform aarti, and participate in cultural performances. In Bengal, for example, Durga Puja reaches its climax on Navami, with elaborate rituals, artistic decorations, and immersion of the murtis in water bodies, symbolising her return to the divine realm. Similarly, in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Navami involves the continuation of Garba and Dandiya dances, celebrating both devotion and cultural vibrancy.
Vijayadashami (Dussehra 2025): The Celebration of Victory
The tenth day, Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra (October 2), is the culmination of Navratri 2025 and the triumph of good over evil. It shows the victory of Durga Ma over the demon Mahishasura, as well as the victory of Bhagwan Ram over Ravana, and symbolizes the universal principle that righteousness ultimately prevails. This day is celebrated with grandeur across India, blending mythology, devotion, and cultural festivities.
In North India, Dussehra is closely linked to Ramlila, live performances of the Ramayana, ending with the burning of Ravana’s effigy. Sometimes, effigies of Meghnath and Kumbhkaran are also burned, showing the defeat of evil and ignorance. Families and communities come together to watch, strengthening social bonds and shared spiritual values.
In Eastern India, particularly in West Bengal, Dussehra coincides with Vijaya Dashami, the day when Durga murtis are immersed in rivers or lakes. This immersion, called Visarjan, represents the goddess returning to her divine abode after blessing her devotees. The ritual is accompanied by chanting, singing, and emotional farewells, emphasizing the transient nature of life and the importance of gratitude for divine blessings.
In Western and Southern India, Dussehra is celebrated through processions, special pujas, and cultural dances. The effigy of Ravana and enactments of his defeat are central of attraction.
Spiritual Lessons of Navratri’s End
The concluding days of Navratri 2025 are not just about rituals and celebrations; they carry deep spiritual and moral lessons. Ashtami teaches purity, devotion, and respect for the feminine. Navami emphasizes spiritual wisdom, clarity, and preparedness to face life’s challenges. Vijayadashami reminds devotees that goodness, truth, and righteousness ultimately triumph over evil, ignorance, and ego.
Navratri’s end also signifies renewal and self-reflection. Devotees are encouraged to carry forward the spiritual discipline cultivated during the nine days, be it through fasting, prayer, meditation, or ethical living into their everyday lives.
Food also plays a role in these final days. Special offerings like khichdi, puri, halwa, and fruits are prepared and shared among family and community members. In some regions, traditional dishes are offered to the devi ma during Kanya Puja and distributed as prasad, reinforcing the values of sharing and gratitude.
Across India, people celebrate these days with intense devotion, community bonding, and cultural expression, making Navratri not just a festival of the divine feminine, but a celebration of life, virtue, and moral victory.
As Navratri 2025 ends and devotees immerse the murtis or burn Ravana effigies, it is a reminder that life itself is a cycle of challenges and triumphs, and that divine guidance, devotion, and ethical living can only help overcome darkness, ignorance, and negativity.
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