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Navratri, the nine-day celebration of Goddess Durga, is celebrated with utmost devotion throughout India. Every day during the festival is devoted to a different form of the goddess. Devotees on the third day of Navratri worship Maa Chandraghanta, the third incarnation of Maa Durga. Day 3 of Navratri in 2025 is September 24, Wednesday. The day is also referred to as Tritiya of the Shukla Paksha of Ashwin month.
Maa Chandraghanta is the wedded form of Goddess Parvati after she marries Lord Shiva. She is so named due to her wearing on her brow a crescent-shaped moon, looking like a bell (ghanta). Portrayed with ten hands, seated on a tiger, and brandishing weapons, she represents courage, safety, and peacefulness. Her followers feel that by worshipping her, they are free from fears, negativity is repelled, and they are blessed with peace and courage.
Each day of Navratri has a special color attached to it. For Day 3, it is royal blue. Performing the puja in royal blue clothing is said to bring divine blessings and positivity.
The rituals of the day are carried out with simplicity and devotion. Devotees also get up early, take a bath, and make a clean spot for worship. A diya (lamp) is lighted with desi ghee, and flowers, kumkum, rice, and sweets are offered to the goddess. Specific prayers involve chanting Durga Chalisa, reciting Durga Saptashati, and reciting mantras devoted to Maa Chandraghanta.
A unique bhog (offering) of milk, fruits, and kheer is prepared since Maa Chandraghanta is said to be delighted with such sattvic (pure) offerings. Morning and evening aarti with bells and conch sounds are also performed by devotees, which are regarded as auspicious and serve to repel evil energies.
Day 3 of Navratri is spiritually very significant. Pujan of Maa Chandraghanta is believed to bestow peace, bravery, and protection from evil forces and foes. She grants a calm mind to her devotees, happiness in marriage, and fearlessness in life.
