Mumbai: Sharadiya Navratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga, will begin on Monday, 22 September 2025. The nine-day festival, marked with devotion, rituals and grandeur across India, symbolises the victory of good over evil. This year, however, devotees will observe Navratri for 10 days instead of the usual nine, due to an additional day in the lunar calendar.

The arrival of Goddess Durga is believed to usher in prosperity and divine blessings for households. Ahead of Navratri, families prepare extensively—cleaning homes, purifying temples, and gathering essential puja materials. Religious customs and symbolic practices play a crucial role in ensuring that the festival is observed with utmost sanctity.

1. Home and Puja Space Cleaning
Before the start of Navratri, households are advised to thoroughly clean their homes and ensure the puja space is spotless. All essential puja items should be arranged in one place to avoid last-minute rush.

2. Removing Broken or Old Items from Temples
During temple cleaning, devotees must ensure that broken idols or unused items are not kept inside, as these are believed to attract negativity.

3. Purification with Ganga Jal
Purifying the temple with Ganga Jal is considered highly auspicious. Sprinkling Ganga Jal across the home is also believed to invite divine energy. Devotees are encouraged to bring new chunari, clothes and garlands for Goddess Durga.

4. Drawing the Swastik Symbol
On the day of Ghatasthapana (the ritual installation of the Kalash), it is considered essential to draw the Swastik symbol at the entrance of the house. This is said to bring prosperity, peace and good fortune.

5. Choosing Auspicious Attire
Navratri is associated with happiness and celebration. Hence, devotees wear vibrant coloured clothes, avoiding black and blue. It is especially auspicious to select garments in line with the nine colours dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga.