New Delhi, March 30, 2025 – The sacred festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 began on Sunday with early morning prayers and aarti at the revered Jhandewalan Temple in Delhi, where devotees offered prayers to Goddess Durga in her Shailputri form on the first day of the nine-day celebration.
Hundreds of devotees gathered before sunrise, with many arriving as early as 4:00 AM to participate in the first aarti. Among them was Neetu, a devotee who shared, “We came here to attend the morning aarti at 4 am. We had a very good Darshan. May Goddess bless all.”
Key Highlights:
Goddess Shailputri Worshipped on Day 1
According to priest Ambika Prasad Pant of Jhandewalan Temple, Day 1 of Chaitra Navratri is dedicated to Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas and the first avatar of Goddess Durga.
“Today is the first day of Chaitra Navratri. Today, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Shailputri,” said Pant. “She is called Shailputri because she is believed to be the daughter of Himalaya.”
Temple Authorities Ensure Seamless Darshan
Jhandewalan Temple trustee Ravindra Goel extended Navratri and Hindu New Year greetings to all, assuring that preparations had been made to accommodate the heavy inflow of devotees.
“Huge numbers of devotees come to Jhandewalan Temple during Navratris. We’ve made various facilities to ensure everyone has a smooth darshan experience,” he said.
Significance of Chaitra Navratri
Navratri, meaning “nine nights” in Sanskrit, is one of the holiest Hindu festivals devoted to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars, known as Navdurga. Out of the four Navratris observed each year, Chaitra Navratri and Shardiya Navratri are celebrated most widely, marking transitions in seasons.
- Chaitra Navratri 2025 runs from March 30 to April 6, culminating in Ram Navami, which commemorates the birth of Lord Ram.
- Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Shakti, worshipped with unique rituals, offerings, and prayers.
Akashvani to Broadcast Navratri Specials Nationwide
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting announced that Akashvani’s Aradhana YouTube Channel will present a special Navratri programming series from March 30 to April 6, including spiritual music, devotional stories, and live coverage of rituals.
Highlights include:
- Daily special programs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- ‘Shakti Aradhana’ from 8:30 AM to 8:40 AM
- Bhajan hour featuring legendary artists like Anup Jalota, Jagjit Singh, Narinder Chanchal, Hari Om Sharan, Mahendra Kapoor, and Anuradha Paudwal (6:00 PM–7:00 PM)
- Devi Maa Ke Anek Swaroop, a series narrating inspirational Navratri stories (9:00 AM–9:30 AM)
- Features on major Shakti Peeths across India
These curated broadcasts aim to bring the spiritual essence of Navratri into the homes of millions across India.
Grand Conclusion at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir
The nine-day celebrations will conclude with a live broadcast of Ram Janmotsav from Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya on April 6, between 11:45 AM and 12:15 PM.
This symbolic closure marks the birth of Lord Ram, adding a special spiritual significance to the culmination of Chaitra Navratri 2025.
As the nation steps into a new Hindu year, the festivities continue to reflect unity in spiritual devotion, with temples across India, including the iconic Jhandewalan Temple, becoming the epicenters of faith, celebration, and cultural harmony.
The Hindustan Herald Is Your Source For The Latest In Business, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Breaking News, And Other News. Please Follow Us On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, And LinkedIn To Receive Instantaneous Updates. Also Don’t Forget To Subscribe Our Telegram Channel @hindustanherald