The holy festival of Sharadiya Navratri will begin on Monday, 22 September 2025 and this year it will last for 10 days. Interestingly, Chaturthi Tithi will fall for two consecutive days. On the first day, Maa Durga will arrive riding an elephant, while on Vijayadashami (2 October), she will depart on a palanquin (human vehicle). According to scriptures, the arrival and departure rides of Maa Durga carry auspicious and symbolic meanings.
🐘 Maa Durga’s Arrival on an Elephant
Astrologer Chakrapani Bhatt from Kashi explains that if Navratri begins on a Monday, Maa Durga descends from Mount Kailash riding an elephant. This is considered a highly auspicious sign, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and abundance.
People are blessed with wealth and grains.
The possibility of good rainfall is also indicated.
Society witnesses positivity and overall growth.
🪑 Maa Durga’s Departure on a Palanquin
This year, Durga Visarjan will take place on Thursday, 2 October 2025. Since it falls on a Thursday, Maa Durga will depart on a human vehicle (palanquin). This too is considered auspicious, symbolizing:
Harmony and prosperity in families.
Fulfillment of desires.
Continuity of blessings even after her departure.
🌺 How Maa Durga’s Ride is Decided?
The day of Navratri’s beginning and ending determines the Goddess’s arrival and departure rides.
Ride of Maa Durga’s Arrival
Sunday or Monday → Elephant
Tuesday or Saturday → Horse
Thursday or Friday → Palanquin
Wednesday → Boat
Ride of Maa Durga’s Departure
Sunday or Monday → Buffalo
Tuesday or Saturday → Rooster
Wednesday or Friday → Elephant
Thursday → Palanquin
Thus, in Navratri 2025, Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant and departure on a palanquin are both seen as signs of prosperity, happiness, and divine blessings.
FAQs on Maa Durga’s Arrival and Departure in Navratri 2025
Q1. On which date will Navratri 2025 begin and end?
Sharadiya Navratri 2025 will begin on Monday, 22 September and end on Thursday, 2 October with Durga Visarjan.
Q2. What is the significance of Maa Durga arriving on an elephant?
Maa Durga’s arrival on an elephant is considered very auspicious. It symbolizes prosperity, happiness, good rainfall, and abundance of grains and wealth.
Q3. What does it mean if Maa Durga departs on a palanquin?
Maa Durga’s departure on a palanquin (human vehicle) signifies harmony, prosperity, fulfillment of desires, and continuation of divine blessings even after Visarjan.
Q4. How is Maa Durga’s ride decided in Navratri?
The day of Navratri’s start and end determines Maa Durga’s arrival and departure rides. For example, if Navratri begins on Monday, she arrives on an elephant; if it ends on Thursday, she departs on a palanquin.
Q5. Is Maa Durga’s elephant ride more auspicious than others?
Yes, according to astrologers, the elephant ride is one of the most auspicious, symbolizing prosperity, fertility, and positive energy for society.
