Ashadha Gupt Navratri (Hindi: गुप्त नवरात्र) is an auspicious 9-day observance that is dedicated to worshipping nine different forms of Goddess Shakti or Durga. It is one of the important festivities observed by Hindus with utmost devotion and enthusiasm. Gupt navratri is also known as Shakambhari Navratri or Gayatri Navratri; and is celebrated with immense gaiety and reverence in all parts of India, especially the northern states.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2023 starts on June 19, Monday and ends on June 27, Tuesday

Goddess Durga is worshipped on Gupt Navratri Image Source: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS

Gupt navratri festival is dedicated to worshipping nine different forms of Goddess Shakti or Durga

When is Gupt Navratri 2023?

Ashadha Gupt Navratri is observed from the Pratipada (1st day) till the Navami (9th day) of the Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of moon) in the Ashadha; month of the traditional Hindu calendar. In the English calendar, this observance falls between the months of June-July.

This year Ashadh Gupt navratri begins on Monday, June 19 and ends on July 10 Wednesday.

Important Timings On Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2023

Sunrise19 June, 2023 05:45 AM.
Sunset19 June, 2023 07:10 PM.
Pratipada Tithi Starts18 June, 2023 10:07 AM.
Pratipada Tithi Ends19 June, 2023 11:25 AM.
Abhijit Muhurat TimeJune 19, 12:01 PM - June 19, 12:54 PM
Ghatasthapana Muhurta June 19, 05:45 AM - June 19, 10:13 AM
Place : Ujjain [ India ] See More

Rituals of Gupt Navratri Pooja

During the 9-day period of Gupt navratri, Hindu devotees pray to Goddess Durga with full dedication. Devotees get up early during this period. Each of these 9 days is unique in its observance and different forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped on each day. The Gupt Navratri schedule is as follows:

  • Day 1: Pratipada Tithi – Ghatasthapana and Shailpurti Puja
  • Day 2: Dwitia Tithi – Brahmacharini Puja
  • Day 3: Tritiya Tithi – Chandraghanta Puja
  • Day 4: Chaturthi Tithi – Kushmanda Puja
  • Day 5: Panchami Tithi – Skandamata Puja
  • Day 6: Shasthi Tithi – Katyayani Puja
  • Day 7: Saptami Tithi – Kalaratri Puja
  • Day 8: Ashtami Tithi – Maha Gauri Puja
  • Day 9: Navami Tithi – Siddhidatri Puja
  • The 10th day is observed as Vijaya Dashami Puja and brings an end to the Navratri festivities.
Ashadha gupta navrati puja Image Source: IANS

Devotees observe fast, recite religious scriptures and chant Durga Battissi to end all the problems in life andachieve peace

Some of the devotees also observe strict fasting during the 9-day Ashadha Gupt Navratri. They eat only pure, Saatvik food once during the day. If due to some health reasons, devotees cannot keep strict fast, partial fasting is also allowed. During this time eating ‘Phalahaar’ food, along with fruits and milk is also allowed.

During the Ashadha Gupt Navratri period, Hindu devotees chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Durga to invoke Her divine blessings. Reciting religious scriptures like ‘Durga Saptshati’, ‘Devi Mahaatmya’ and ‘Shrimad-Devi Bhagwat’ is considered very auspicious.

Hindu devotees also chant ‘Durga Battissi’ or 32 different names of Goddess Shakti during the Ashadha Gupt Navratri. It is believed that this practice ends all the problems and helps the devotees to achieve peace in life.

The History behind Ashadha Gupt Navratri

During the ancient Vedic age, this Gupt Navratri was only known to few accomplished ‘Sadhaks’ or Sages. The Gupt Navratri holds special importance for Tantriks and Sadhaks.

It is believed that by performing ‘Saadhna’ for Goddess Durga during this period will put an end to all materialistic problems. Hence Gupt Navratri is mostly popular for Tantrik Puja. During this period, the Sadhaks invoke Goddess Durga to be bestowed with knowledge, wealth and success.

Ashadha Gupt Navratri festival dates between 2020 & 2030

YearDate
2020Monday, 22nd of June
2021Sunday, 11th of July
2022Thursday, 30th of June
2023Monday, 19th of June
2024Saturday, 6th of July
2025Thursday, 26th of June
2026Wednesday, 15th of July
2027Sunday, 4th of July
2028Friday, 23rd of June
2029Thursday, 12th of July
2030Monday, 1st of July