Shardiya Navratri 2025 begins on 22 September. Here’s the Akhand Jyoti significance, rituals, and complete puja schedule.
Shardiya Navratri 2025 will start on 22 September and will end on 2 October with Vijayadashami. The nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped for nine days by the devotees. Lighting the Akhand Jyoti or Akhand Deep is one of the most significant rituals of this festival. This divine lamp is continuously lit during the festival of Navratri. It represents faith, prosperity, and the elimination of negativity and families do believe that the Akhand Deep bestows blessings of good health, bliss, and prosperity. Together with Kalash Sthapana, this ceremony denotes the arrival of Maa Durga in each home.
The Akhand Jyoti symbolizes eternal dedication and divine power. Texts call it a witness of all prayers, such as Durga Saptashati, Devi Kavach, and mantras. Lighting the diya for nine days endows each member of every family with happiness, spiritual development, and prosperity. The fire not only spreads positivity but also boosts faith and inner peace.
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The diya has to be kept in the northeast or east direction of the puja room because these directions signify knowledge and positivity. Don't use the south direction as it is inauspicious. Pure desi ghee should always be used in the lamp. If not, sesame oil or mustard oil is acceptable. Keep the diya on a mound of rice, wheat, or black gram to make it auspicious. Cover the fire with a glass or metal lid to prevent it from being extinguished.
Light Akhand Jyoti on 22 September 2025 at Kalash Sthapana. Light it with a cotton wick or red thread wick in a neat vessel. One member of the family needs to ensure that the diya burns for nine days. Touch the lamp after a bath and wearing clean clothing. Make sure the surrounding area of the diya remains pure and free from dirt, footwear, or unclean items.
If the flame extinguishes even after taking precautions, devotees must apologize to Maa Durga and rekindle it with ghee or oil and if it keeps burning even after the end of Navratri, let it burn out naturally while never blow out the flame using your mouth.
On 22 September 2025, Pratah Muhurat will be 06:09 am to 08:06 am. Abhijeet Muhurat will be 11:49 am to 12:38 pm. Having Kalash Sthapana at these times is very auspicious.
