Mumbai: Chaitra Navratri, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar, is set to begin on 30 March 2025 and conclude on 6 April 2025. Falling in the month of Chaitra, this Navratri marks the start of the Hindu New Year and holds immense religious importance. It is during this month that Lord Rama is believed to have been born, and according to Hindu scriptures, it is also when Lord Brahma commenced the creation of the universe.
Over the course of nine days, devotees across India observe fasts and offer prayers to the nine forms of Goddess Durga with deep devotion. The festival is celebrated with great fervour and includes rituals such as ‘Kanya Pujan’—a special ceremony honouring young girls seen as representations of the divine feminine energy. However, an intriguing aspect of this tradition is the inclusion of a young boy, referred to as the ‘Langoor’, who is worshipped alongside the girls.
Why Is a Boy Worshipped with the Girls During Navratri?
According to tradition, those who observe the nine days of Navratri with devotion and perform rituals dedicated to the various forms of the Goddess are believed to receive her special blessings and be freed from suffering. Kanya Pujan, typically held on the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day, involves inviting young girls into the home, worshipping them, and offering them food and gifts. Without this ritual, the Navratri observance is considered incomplete.
Interestingly, a boy—commonly called the ‘Langoor’—is also included in this ceremony. The reason lies in religious belief: the nine girls represent the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, while the boy is believed to embody Bhairav Baba, a fierce guardian and devotee of the Goddess. In some households, two boys are included—one seen as Bhairav Baba and the other as Lord Ganesha, who is traditionally worshipped at the beginning of all Hindu rituals.
The Ritual in Detail
Just like the young girls, the ‘Langoor’ is given the same offerings and food, symbolising the sacredness of his presence. He is fed alongside the girls, worshipped, and then respectfully sent off with a token of gratitude or ‘dakshina’. Worshipping Bhairav Baba during Navratri is said to bring completeness and success to the observance.
When Does Chaitra Navratri 2025 Begin?
As per the Hindu Panchang (calendar), the Shukla Paksha Pratipada Tithi of Chaitra month begins on 29 March 2025 at 4:27 PM and ends on 30 March at 12:49 PM. Following the tradition of observing festivals based on the sunrise time (Udaya Tithi), Chaitra Navratri 2025 will officially commence on 30 March.
This sacred period offers devotees the opportunity to reconnect with their faith, seek blessings from the Goddess, and participate in age-old traditions that bring communities together in celebration and devotion.
(Disclaimer: The information provided is based on traditional beliefs and religious texts. News9 Live does not independently verify the religious significance of these rituals.)
Chaitra Navratri 2025 begins on 30 March. Discover the lesser-known reason why a boy, called ‘Langoor’, is worshipped alongside girls during Kanya Pujan. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
