Sharadiya Navratri 2025 will be celebrated this year from September 24 to October 2. The fast can be broken on Navami or Dashami. For devotees who observe the full nine-day fast, breaking it on Dashami Tithi is considered most auspicious, while breaking it after Kanya Pujan and Havan on Navami is also permissible. Sattvic food and Kanya Pujan are essential during the fast-breaking ritual.
Navratri Fast Breaking 2025: Sharadiya Navratri will be celebrated across India this year from September 24 to October 2, 2025. This nine-day festival includes the worship of the nine forms of Maa Durga, fasting, and Havan. Devotees often wonder whether the fast should be broken on Navami or Dashami. According to religious beliefs and the Hindu calendar, the fast can be broken after Kanya Pujan and Havan on Navami. However, for those who observe the fast for the entire nine days, breaking it on Dashami Tithi is considered the most auspicious and scripturally appropriate.
Key Dates for Sharadiya Navratri 2025
- Navami Tithi: September 30, Tuesday, 06:06 PM to October 01, Wednesday, 07:01 PM
- Maha Navami Puja: October 01, 2025, Wednesday
- Dashami Tithi: October 01, Wednesday, 07:01 PM to October 02, Thursday, 07:10 PM
- Vijayadashami/Dussehra: October 02, 2025, Thursday
During Navratri, devotees meticulously worship the nine forms of Maa Durga. The nine-day fast is observed from Pratipada to Navami. After this, breaking the fast (Paran) is necessary for the fast to be considered successful and fruitful.
Breaking the Fast on Navami Tithi
Devotees who perform Kanya Pujan and Havan on Navami Tithi can break their fast after the Havan. This tradition is widely prevalent in North India.
Maha Navami Puja and Havan
On October 01, Wednesday, the auspicious time for Navami Havan will be from 06:20 AM to 11:40 AM. The fast can be broken after performing Kanya Pujan and Havan during this period.
Breaking the fast on Navami Tithi is considered auspicious because the worship of Maa Durga's ninth form is completed on this day. Feeding young girls (Kanyas) and offering them donations (Dakshina) before breaking the fast is an important part of the tradition.
Breaking the Fast on Dashami Tithi
According to religious texts and astrological calculations, observing the fast from Pratipada to Navami is considered superior. In such a case, breaking the fast on Dashami Tithi, after Navami Tithi concludes, is considered the best.
Auspicious Time for Dashami Tithi
The fast can be broken after 06:15 AM on October 02, 2025, Thursday.
For devotees who observe the full nine-day fast, breaking it on Dashami Tithi is most beneficial. The blessings of the Mother Goddess at this time are considered especially fruitful.
Rules and Traditions for Breaking the Fast
- Puja and Havan: Before breaking the fast, one should perform Devi Puja, Aarti, and Havan. If breaking the fast on Navami, Havan is essential.
- Kanya Pujan: Before breaking the fast, feed nine young girls (Kanyas) and one boy, and seek their blessings. Offer them Dakshina or gifts.
- Pure Food: Always consume Sattvic food for breaking the fast. Avoid garlic, onion, non-vegetarian food, or any Tamasic food.
- Food for Breaking Fast: Traditionally, Kheer, Puri, Halwa, and Sattvic fruits are consumed.
- Kalash Visarjan: If you have performed Ghatasthapana, perform Kalash Visarjan on Dashami Tithi at an auspicious time.
Navami vs. Dashami: What to Choose?
- Navami Paran: If your family tradition is to break the fast after Kanya Pujan on Navami, then breaking it on October 01 is appropriate.
- Dashami Paran: For those who observe the full nine-day fast, breaking it after sunrise on October 02 is considered the most superior.
According to religious beliefs, Maa Durga's blessings are more effective when the fast is broken on the correct Tithi and with proper rituals. Worshipping Kanyas at the time of breaking the fast makes it fruitful.
Significance of Breaking the Fast
Breaking the fast is as important as observing it. The nine-day fast symbolizes the worship of Maa Durga's nine forms, self-restraint, and devotion. Consuming Sattvic food and feeding Kanyas during the fast-breaking ritual is considered extremely important from a religious perspective.
- It ensures the blessings of Maa Durga.
- Kanya Pujan at the time of fast-breaking enhances the effect of the fast.
- Religious texts state that breaking the fast at the correct auspicious time brings prosperity, happiness, and peace to life.
Sharadiya Navratri Guide
- Beginning: Fast starts on September 24, 2025, Tuesday.
- Navami: September 30 - October 01, 2025, breaking the fast is possible after Kanya Pujan.
- Dashami/Vijayadashami: October 02, 2025, Thursday, breaking the fast for the full nine-day observance is best.
- Food: Sattvic food such as Kheer, Halwa, Puri.
- Traditions: Kanya Pujan, Kalash Visarjan, and Puja are mandatory.
Devotees are advised to follow their traditional beliefs and family customs. If there is a tradition of breaking the fast on Navami, then do so on October 01; otherwise, breaking the fast on Dashami will be the best option.
