Navratri 2025 day 1 special: Shailputri Mata puja, Ghatasthapana timings, significance, rituals & colour of the day

Navratri, one of the most celebrated festivals in Sanatan Dharma, begins with great devotion and enthusiasm. In 2025, the first day of Navratri falls on Monday, 22 September, marking the worship of Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Maa Durga. This day is significant for devotees seeking prosperity, peace, and divine blessings.

According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings for performing Ashwina Ghatasthapana, the ritual that marks the start of Navratri, are particularly important. The main muhurat is from 6:11 AM to 7:52 AM, while the Abhijit muhurat is from 11:51 AM to 12:39 PM. The Pratipada tithi begins at 1:23 AM on 22 September and ends at 2:55 AM on 23 September, and the Kanya lagna falls between 6:11 AM and 7:52 AM. Performing puja during these auspicious windows is believed to invite positivity, prosperity, and spiritual growth into the home.

Navratri Day 1 Puja Vidhi and Samagri

The first day of Navratri starts with the ritual of Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana, an essential ceremony where a sacred pot, or Kalash, is installed at a sanctified spot in the home. A lamp or diya is lit nearby, which is kept burning for the full nine days of Navratri, symbolising the presence of divine energy.


For the ritual, devotees prepare a small pan with mud and navadhanya (nine types of grains). Water is added to this base, and a Kalash is placed in it. The Kalash is filled with Ganga Jal, coins, supari (betel nut), and akshat (raw rice mixed with turmeric). Five fresh mango leaves are arranged around the Kalash, and a coconut is placed on top. This setup is not just symbolic; it represents abundance, fertility, and the blessings of Goddess Shailputri.

Once the Kalash is ready, devotees arrange an oil lamp, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, and sweets near the deity. A special bhog made with desi ghee is also offered to Maa Shailputri. Each item used in the puja has significance: flowers for devotion, fruits and sweets for prosperity, and ghee for purity and spiritual nourishment. Devotees chant mantras and hymns, invoking the goddess’s blessings for peace, spiritual growth, and overall well-being.

Goddess Shailputri

Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, represents the power of nature and the divine motherly energy. She is often depicted riding a bull and holding a trident and a lotus. Worshipping her on the first day of Navratri is believed to strengthen one’s mind and soul, cleanse negative energies, and pave the way for spiritual and material growth during the festival.

Navratri Day 1: Colour

The colour associated with Day 1 of Navratri is yellow, symbolising happiness, energy, and optimism. Devotees often dress in yellow to harmonise with the divine vibrations of the day, making their prayers more potent and meaningful.

Starting Navratri by worshipping Goddess Shailputri is a tradition that has been followed for centuries. With proper rituals, devotion, and adherence to auspicious timings, Day 1 sets the tone for a spiritually uplifting and prosperous nine days of celebrations.