1st Day of Navratri: The festival of Navratri marks one of the most celebrated occasions in India, welcoming nine divine nights of worship, dance, fasting, devotion, and renewal.
Each day is dedicated to one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga, with the first day carrying great importance as it begins the spiritual journey.
The 1st day of Navratri, also known as Pratipada, sets the tone for the celebrations, invoking Goddess Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas, who symbolizes purity, strength, and grounding energy.
This blog explores the significance, rituals, colors, and cultural essence of the first day of Navratri while also providing ideas for devotees who wish to align their prayers and traditions with modern lifestyles.
What is 1st Day of Navratri Called?
The 1st day of Navratri is traditionally called Pratipada or Prathama Tithi, which means the first day of the lunar fortnight.
It is the day when the festival officially begins with the invocation of Goddess Durga in her form of Shailaputri. This day is dedicated to beginning anew, emphasizing fresh energy, devotion, and spiritual awakening.
When is 1st Day of Navratri?
The 1st day of Navratri in 2025 falls on Monday, 22nd September 2025. This marks the beginning of Sharad Navratri, starting with the day called Pratipada and the worship of Goddess Shailaputri. The festival continues for nine nights, culminating in Vijayadashami or Dussehra on October 2nd, 2025.
Observers plan their rituals and fasts according to these dates, marking a divine countdown to spiritual purification and celebration.
Importance of the 1st Day of Navratri
Navratri is observed four times a year in different forms, but Sharad Navratri (in September/October) is the most significant.
The first day serves as the spiritual foundation for the entire nine days of devotion:
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The day begins with Kalash Sthapana or Ghatasthapana, an invocation of Goddess Durga, symbolizing the universe’s creation and sustenance.
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Goddess Shailputri, the form worshipped on this day, is believed to protect her devotees from negative forces while blessing them with peace and prosperity.
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It establishes the discipline of devotion, preparing devotees physically and spiritually for fasting, meditation, and prayer through the nine nights.
By observing the first day sincerely, devotees believe they invite divine energy that stays with them throughout the festival and beyond.
Goddess Shailputri: The First Form of Durga
The word "Shailputri" means daughter of the mountains. She is represented with a lotus in one hand and a trident in the other, riding a bull called Nandi.
This form of Durga exudes simplicity, grounding energy, and unshakeable stability, teaching humans to stand firm in faith during challenges.
Her worship marks:
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The journey from earthly grounding to spiritual awakening.
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The reminder that humility, balance, and courage are the foundations of true devotion.
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The significance of connecting oneself to the roots of creation with sincerity and truth.
She is also associated astrologically with the moon, which governs emotions and the mind, reminding devotees to seek peace and emotional stability.
Rituals Observed on the First Day
Kalash Sthapana (Ghatasthapana)
This ritual is the essence of the 1st day. A sacred pot filled with holy water and topped with coconut, mango leaves, and red cloth is installed at the place of worship. It symbolizes auspiciousness and the divine presence of the goddess throughout the nine days.
Steps include:
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Purifying the house and place of worship with water and gangajal.
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Placing the kalash on a mound of barley or wheat grains, representing fertility and prosperity.
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Invoking Durga, inviting the goddess to bless the home with harmony and divinity.
Fasting and Prayers
Devotees observe fasts to purify the body and mind. On the 1st day, people take a vow (sankalp) to observe the fast with sincerity. Many choose fruits, milk, and light satvik food instead of grains.
Chanting and Aarti
Special mantras dedicated to Goddess Shailputri are recited, followed by morning and evening aarti. These prayers align the mind with positivity and spiritual growth.
The Color of the Day
Each day of Navratri is associated with a dedicated color that holds symbolic meaning. The color of the 1st Day is red. Red represents courage, energy, and strength, aligning with Goddess Shailputri’s attributes.
Devotees wear red attire, decorate temples with red flowers, and offer red cloth or chunni to the goddess.
Regional Celebrations
Navratri is celebrated across India in unique ways. On the 1st day:
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North India (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar): Kalash sthapana and Devi puja are performed within homes and temples. Fasting is very common among women.
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Maharashtra: Ghatsthapana marks the beginning of household prayers. Families plant grains in soil and observe their growth across the nine days as a symbol of fertility.
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West Bengal: While Durga Puja peaks later, devotees begin their rituals of ‘Bodhon,’ marking the invitation of Maa Durga into homes.
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Gujarat: The evening begins with energetic Garba and Dandiya nights, offering prayers in dance form.
Symbolism of Jewellery and Sacred Tokens
Sacred accessories hold a deep connection with festivals like Navratri, as they signify divinity, purity, and blessings.
Wearing or gifting divine ornaments during this time is considered auspicious.
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Many devotees wear a god locket during the festival, symbolizing divine protection and closeness with the goddess. It acts as a reminder of faith and ensures positive vibrations remain in daily life.
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Women often showcase festive adornments such as silver rings for women, as silver is considered a pure metal with healing and energy-balancing qualities.
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Shopping and styling with traditional accessories like silver earrings online is also popular during Navratri. They bring a touch of elegance to the festival attire while keeping the devotion and cultural connection intact.
Sacred ornaments are not mere fashion statements during Navratri; they carry spiritual energy, offering both beauty and blessings.
Food Traditions of Day 1
The fasting food on the 1st day of Navratri differs by region, but common items include:
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Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, pears, and papayas.
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Milk and milk products like paneer and curd.
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Potatoes, arbi, and sweet potatoes cooked without onion and garlic.
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Flours like buckwheat (kuttu) and water chestnut (singhare ka atta) used to make puris and parathas.
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Special sweets prepared with jaggery, sabudana kheer, or makhana.
Avoiding grains, meat, and garlic-onion meals is common, as the day represents purification and spiritual reset.
Spiritual Significance of Starting Navratri Right
The first impression sets the tone—similarly, the 1st day of Navratri decides how immersed the devotee will remain throughout the nine days. Starting it with discipline cultivates a strong aura of positivity and determination.
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It symbolizes beginning anew, letting go of negativity and embracing spiritual growth.
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It invokes divine protection, meaning challenges become manageable.
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It establishes a rhythm of devotion—balancing fasting, prayers, and celebrations in harmony.
Modern Relevance of Navratri Day 1
Even in busy lifestyles, one can observe the 1st day meaningfully:
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Setting up a small puja corner with a kalash and diya.
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Wearing the color of the day along with traditional ornaments such as god locket or silver earrings.
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Shopping for devotional jewellery like silver rings for women which align style with tradition.
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Engaging in online satsangs, bhajans, or community events virtually.
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Cooking satvik meals at home that nourish both body and soul.
The modern approach allows people across the globe to remain connected with the festival, even if far away from traditional communities.
Conclusion
The 1st day of Navratri is not just the beginning of a festival but the initiation of a spiritual journey. Through the worship of Goddess Shailputri, rituals like Ghatasthapana, fasting with satvik foods, and prayers, devotees connect deeply with purity and strength. The color red, jewellery significance, and regional customs add worldly vibrance to the devotion.
Even in today’s fast-paced world, celebrating the first day with sincerity ensures blessings that carry into the remaining eight nights. Whether through wearing a god locket, styling silver rings for women, or shopping silver earrings online, one can combine tradition with modern choices, keeping faith and festivities alive with every gesture.