Shardiya Navratri 2025 began on September 22, 2025, and will continue until October 2, 2025, concluding with Vijayadashami (Dussehra). Across India, devotees are immersed in nine days of worship, dance, and celebration in honour of Goddess Durga.
A key aspect drawing attention this year is the vahan, or vehicle, on which Maa Durga arrives and departs. According to Pandit Saurabh Tripathi, Chhindwara, MP, this year, Maa Durga arrived riding an elephant and will leave on a human (Nara), both carrying deep spiritual and symbolic meanings for prosperity, peace, and societal well-being.
According to Hindu scriptures like the Shrimad Devi Bhagavat Mahapuran, the vehicle of Maa Durga is determined by the day Navratri begins. With Navratri 2025 starting on a Monday, the goddess’s arrival on an elephant (Gaja Vahan) is considered highly auspicious.
The elephant symbolises power, stability, and prosperity. Devotees believe that this year will see good rainfall, successful harvests, increased milk production, and overall societal growth. The presence of the elephant also represents political equilibrium, strong governance, and leadership, highlighting a year full of opportunities and collective progress.
The day of Vijayadashami 2025 falls on Thursday, and Maa Durga’s departure will be on a human (Nara). This is interpreted as a positive sign, indicating a period of peace, joy, and good fortune. While the arrival on an elephant promises abundance, the human departure serves as a reminder that effort, integrity, and wise action are essential to sustain the blessings.
The combined symbolism suggests that 2025 will be a year with huge potential, where the first half brings opportunities and prosperity, but the latter half requires careful planning and mindful action.
An ancient verse states:
“Shashisurye gajaaroodha, Shanibhoume turangame,
Gurushukre cha dolayaam, Budhe noukaa prakeertitaa.
Phalam - gaje cha jalaa da devi, chatrabhanga turangame,
Noukaayaam sarva siddhisyat, dolayaam maranam dhruvam.”
This signifies:
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Beyond material benefits, the goddess’s arrival and departure carry spiritual messages. The elephant's arrival encourages believers to be grateful for blessings, while the human's departure underscores the importance of purposeful action and accountability. Shardiya Navratri is a time to celebrate not just Maa Durga’s victory over evil but also the balance between receiving divine blessings and exercising human effort.
Throughout the nine days, devotees observe rituals like Ghatsthapana, Kanya Pujan, Dandiya, and Garba. In West Bengal, grand Durga Puja pandals mark the goddess’s triumph over Mahishasura. With Maa Durga arriving on an elephant and departing on Nara, Navratri 2025 promises to be especially auspicious, offering blessings for prosperity, harmony, and collective growth.
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