Navaratri 2025: Maa Durga Arrives on Elephant & Departs on Boat — Dates & Significance

Navaratri 2025  is one of the most celebrated festivals in India, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga in her nine powerful forms. Every year, devotees eagerly wait for Shardiya Navratri, which brings nine days of devotion, fasting, music, and celebration. But what makes Navratri 2025 truly special is the way Maa Durga will arrive and depart.

This year, since the festival begins on a Monday, it is believed that Maa Durga will arrive on an Elephant (Gaja), which is considered highly auspicious. The festival concludes on a Wednesday, marking her departure on a Boat (Nauka). Both these symbols carry deep spiritual meanings that every devotee should know.

Navratri 2025 Dates & Timings

Start Date (Pratipada / Ghatasthapana): Monday, 22 September 2025

End Date (Vijayadashami / Dussehra): Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Ghatasthapana Muhurat

Morning hours of 22 September 2025 (exact timings may vary by location, so check local panchang).

Maa Durga’s Arrival in 2025: On an Elephant (Gaja)

Since Navratri 2025 starts on a Monday, scriptures say that Maa Durga will arrive on an elephant. This arrival is believed to bring immense prosperity and blessings for the world.

Symbolism of Elephant (Gaja): Strength, power, stability, wisdom, and prosperity.

Spiritual Belief: Elephant arrival indicates good rainfall, abundant harvests, and overall peace in society.

Meaning for Devotees: A reminder to invite stability and discipline into one’s life along with devotion.

In simple words, when Maa Durga comes riding an elephant, it is seen as a divine sign that the year ahead will be filled with growth and success.

Maa Durga’s Departure in 2025: On a Boat (Nauka)

Navratri 2025 ends on a Wednesday, which means Maa Durga will depart on a Boat (Nauka).

Symbolism of Boat (Nauka): Safe passage, calmness, balance, and collective welfare.

Spiritual Belief: Departure on a boat is seen as a positive sign, ensuring smooth transitions and peaceful endings.

Meaning for Devotees: Just as a boat carries people across a river, Maa Durga blesses her devotees with the strength to overcome struggles and reach success.

Thus, 2025 is considered very auspicious — an elephant arrival for prosperity and a boat departure for peace and harmony.

The 9 Days of Navratri 2025: Goddess, Colour & Significance

Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Maa Durga, with its own rituals, prayers, and a special colour symbolizing energy and devotion.

Day 1 (Shailputri) — Colour: Orange — Symbol of strength and energy.

Day 2 (Brahmacharini) — Colour: White — Represents peace and purity.

Day 3 (Chandraghanta) — Colour: Red — Brings courage and passion.

Day 4 (Kushmanda) — Colour: Royal Blue — Symbol of wealth and energy.

Day 5 (Skandamata) — Colour: Yellow — Represents wisdom and happiness.

Day 6 (Katyayani) — Colour: Green — Associated with growth and prosperity.

Day 7 (Kalaratri) — Colour: Grey — Signifies power and destruction of negativity.

Day 8 (Mahagauri) — Colour: Purple — Reflects purity and calmness.

Day 9 (Siddhidatri) — Colour: Peacock Green — Blesses with knowledge and perfection.

Rituals and Traditions of Navratri 2025

Fasting (Vrat): Many devotees observe fasts, consuming only fruits, milk, and special vrat foods.

Ghatasthapana: Establishing the Kalash with soil, barley, and coconut marks the start of Navratri.

Daily Aarti & Bhajans: Each day includes chanting Durga mantras and performing aarti.

Garba & Dandiya Nights: Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate with colourful Garba and Dandiya dance.

Durga Puja Pandals: In West Bengal, grand pandals are set up for Durga Puja, showcasing stunning idols.

Kolu & Golu Traditions: In South India, dolls and deities are beautifully arranged in steps.

Astrological & Spiritual Significance

According to Vedic astrology, the way Maa Durga arrives and departs is not just symbolic but also connected to cosmic energies.

Elephant Arrival: Enhances prosperity, rainfall, and abundance in the year.

Boat Departure: Ensures safety, balance, and well-being in the coming months.

Astrology in Navratri: Devotees often perform specific remedies like lighting ghee lamps, chanting mantras, or donating items to bring peace and positivity.

How to Celebrate Navratri 2025 at Home

Decorate your mandir with flowers, lights, and rangoli.

Offer bhog (food) like fruits, kheer, halwa, and puri to Maa Durga.

Recite Durga Saptashati or chant mantras daily.

Follow eco-friendly practices — clay idols, natural colours, and organic flowers.

Participate in Garba/Dandiya or community pujas.

Conclusion

Navratri 2025 is not just another festival — it’s a divine journey that begins with Maa Durga’s auspicious arrival on an elephant and ends with her peaceful departure on a boat. Both these symbols remind us that life is about strength, prosperity, and smooth transitions.

As devotees, we celebrate Navratri not only to worship but also to bring balance, courage, and positivity into our lives. This year, let us celebrate with devotion, community spirit, and eco-friendly practices.

FAQs on Navratri 2025

Q1. When is Navratri 2025 celebrated?

Navratri 2025 will be celebrated from 22 September to 1 October 2025.

Q2. Why is Maa Durga arriving on an elephant in 2025?

Because Navratri begins on a Monday, scriptures say she arrives on an elephant, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.

Q3. What does it mean if Maa Durga departs on a boat?

Since Navratri 2025 ends on Wednesday, Maa Durga will leave on a boat, symbolizing safe passage, peace, and harmony.

Q4. What are the 9 colours of Navratri 2025?

Each day has a specific colour like orange, white, red, blue, yellow, green, grey, purple, and peacock green.

Q5. How can devotees celebrate Navratri at home?

By performing Ghatasthapana, observing fasting, chanting mantras, offering bhog, and decorating their mandir beautifully.

This blog is written by Narayanam