When is Chaitra Navratri 2025 starting in the USA? The exact date and Ghatasthapana puja timings in different USA time zones (ET, PT, CT and more)

Chaitra Navratri, the nine-day period of fasting and worshipping goddess Durga is here. Devotees in India and Hindu diaspora all over the world observe fast during this auspicious time, from morning to evening and worship Maa Durga and her nine incarnations. Out of the four Navratris that are observed every year, two of them - Sharadiya Navratri and Chaitra Navratri- are more popular.
Chaitra Navratri falls on the first day of Hindu lunisolar calendar and coincides with a range of spring festivals that mark the beginning of a new year from Ugadi in South India to Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra.
During the nine days of Chaitra Navratri, her nine incarnations are worshipped namely Maa Shailputri, Maa Brahmacharini, Maa Chandraghanta, Maa Kushmanda, Skanda Mata, Maa Katyayani, Maa Kaalratri, Maa Mahagauri and Maa Siddhidatri. Maa Durga devotees do not consume onion, garlic, non-veg food, alcohol, and tobacco during this time, irrespective of whether they are fasting or not.

It is believed that during this auspicious time, Maa Durga visits her devotees and goes back to her abode - Kailash Parvat, the home of Lord Shiva, after the conclusion of the festival. The last day of Chaitra Navratri is celebrated as Ram Navami, the birth of Lord Rama.

The ritual of Ghatasthapana or Kalash Sthapana is performed on the first day of Navratri. A Kalash or holy pot of copper or brass is filled with water and other auspicious items like coins, betel leaves, and grains. A coconut is placed above the Kalash and is wrapped with a red cloth. A sacred thread or mouli is tied around it.
It is placed in the puja area of a clean area in your home where you will be worshipping goddess Durga during Navratri.
A clay pot or an earthen container filled with mud is taken and barley seeds are sprinkled over them. It is kept in the Ghatasthapana area. Every day, it should be taken care of by sprinkling water.
Light a diya and worship Goddess Durga, and invoke her presence in the Kalash.
The first day of Chaitra Navratri will be observed on Sunday, March 30, 2025 in India. If you are in USA, here are exact date and puja timings as per your time zone:
Chaitra Navratri wishes for your loved ones.