Navratri is one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals dedicated to Maa Durga and her nine divine forms, collectively known as the Navadurga. The word Navratri means “nine nights,” during which devotees worship different avatars of Goddess Durga to seek blessings for prosperity, protection, and spiritual growth.
In 2025, Navratri begins on [insert actual start date of Navratri 2025], and the first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the daughter of the mountains, symbolizing purity, strength, and devotion.
Day 1 sets the tone for the entire festival, marking the Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) ritual and the beginning of nine days of devotion.
Who is Maa Shailputri?
Maa Shailputri, meaning “Daughter of the Mountain”, is the first form of Goddess Durga. She is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Sati, who in her next birth was born as Parvati, the daughter of King Himalaya (the personification of the Himalayas).
She rides a bull named Nandi, carries a trident (Trishul) in her right hand and a lotus flower in her left hand. Maa Shailputri is considered the embodiment of nature and is associated with stability, patience, and devotion.
Significance of Day 1 – Worship of Maa Shailputri
- Maa Shailputri represents Mother Nature and strength.
- She symbolizes purity and new beginnings, which is why Navratri starts with her worship.
- Her blessings bring stability in life, strength to overcome obstacles, and spiritual growth.
- She is also associated with the Muladhara Chakra (Root Chakra), which is the foundation of spiritual energy. Worshipping her helps devotees achieve balance and stability in life.
Navratri 2025 Day 1 Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Rituals)
On the first day of Navratri, devotees perform Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), which signifies the invocation of Goddess Durga. Here is the step-by-step puja vidhi:
- Cleanse the House and Puja Area – Purify the surroundings and take a holy bath before beginning the rituals.
- Kalash Sthapana –
- Place a clay pot filled with water and cover it with mango leaves.
- Place a coconut wrapped in red cloth on top of the pot.
- This symbolizes the presence of Goddess Durga.
- Invoke Maa Shailputri – Chant prayers and invite Maa Durga to reside in the Kalash.
- Offerings (Samagri) –
- Flowers, fruits, incense, diya (lamp), and naivedya are offered.
- Red flowers and rice are considered auspicious for Maa Shailputri.
- Recite Mantras and Aarti – Devotees chant her mantras and sing aarti to seek blessings.
- Observe Fast (Vrat) – Many devotees observe a fast, consuming only fruits, milk, and sattvic food.
Maa Shailputri Mantra and Stotra
Chanting mantras dedicated to Maa Shailputri is believed to purify the mind and soul.
Main Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः॥ Om Devi Shailputryai Namah॥
Dhyana Mantra
वन्दे वाञ्छितलाभाय चन्द्रार्धकृतशेखराम्। वृषारूढां शूलधरां शैलपुत्रीं यशस्विनीम्॥ Vande Vanchhitalabhaya Chandrardhakritashekharam, Vrisharudham Shooldharam Shailputrim Yashasvinim॥
Chanting these mantras daily on Day 1 helps devotees invoke divine energy and blessings.
Colour of the Day – Yellow
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour. The Day 1 colour is Yellow, representing happiness, brightness, and positivity.
Wearing yellow clothes while performing puja on Day 1 is believed to attract divine energy and bring prosperity. Women often dress in yellow sarees or lehengas, while men wear yellow kurta-pajamas to honour Maa Shailputri.
Bhog (Food Offering) for Maa Shailputri
Maa Shailputri is believed to be fond of pure, sattvic food. On the first day of Navratri, devotees offer:
- Pure desi ghee – It is considered very auspicious and is believed to grant a healthy and prosperous life.
- Milk and sweets made from milk – Such as kheer, peda, or barfi.
- Fruits and honey – To maintain purity in offerings.
After offering the bhog, it is distributed as prasadam among family members and devotees.
Fasting on Day 1 of Navratri
Many devotees observe a strict fast on Day 1 to honour Maa Shailputri. Fasting can be done in two ways:
- Nirjala Vrat – Without food and water, observed by highly devoted individuals.
- Phalahar Vrat – Consuming only fruits, milk, and sattvic foods like sabudana khichdi, kuttu puri, and makhana kheer.
The fast is broken after performing evening aarti and offering prayers.
Spiritual Importance of Day 1
- Worshipping Maa Shailputri helps devotees activate their Muladhara Chakra, establishing stability and grounding in life.
- Her blessings bring mental peace, spiritual strength, and emotional balance.
- She guides her devotees toward the path of truth, devotion, and self-realization.
Cultural Celebrations on Navratri Day 1
Across India, Navratri is celebrated in different ways:
- North India (UP, Delhi, Bihar): Devotees perform Kalash Sthapana and observe fasting. Ramlila programs also begin.
- Gujarat: People perform Garba and Dandiya Raas dressed in yellow outfits on the first day.
- West Bengal: The festival begins with Bodhon (invocation of Maa Durga).
- South India: Families set up Golu (doll displays) and offer bhog to Maa.
Conclusion
Day 1 of Navratri 2025 is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, the goddess of strength, purity, and stability. By performing Kalash Sthapana, chanting her mantras, wearing the colour yellow, and offering pure bhog, devotees invite positivity and divine energy into their lives.
The first day sets the foundation for the next eight days of Navratri, making it one of the most spiritually significant days of the festival.
