Devotees across India are observing Ashadha Gupt Navratri from today, marking the beginning of the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga's nine divine forms. The festival, considered especially significant for spiritual seekers and devotees of Shakti worship, will continue until July 23, 2026.

According to the Hindu Panchang, Pratipada Tithi began at 3:13 PM on July 14 and will conclude at 11:51 AM on July 15. The auspicious Ghatasthapana Muhurta for initiating Navratri rituals is from 5:54 AM to 10:20 AM (IST), based on Ujjain timings.

Unlike the widely celebrated Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri, Ashadha Gupt Navratri is observed more quietly and holds special importance among spiritual practitioners, sadhaks, and devotees engaged in meditation, mantra chanting, and tantric worship. During these nine days, devotees worship one form of Goddess Durga each day, beginning with Maa Shailputri on the first day and concluding with Maa Siddhidatri on Navami.

Many devotees observe fasting throughout the festival, consuming only sattvic food, fruits, and milk. Religious scriptures such as the Durga Saptashati, Devi Mahatmya, and Shrimad Devi Bhagwat are traditionally recited during the observance. Chanting the 32 names of Goddess Durga (Durga Battissi) is also considered highly auspicious and is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection from obstacles.

Coinciding with the first day of Gupt Navratri, Chandra Darshan is also being observed today. The festival marks the first sighting of the moon after Amavasya and is regarded as an auspicious occasion in Hindu tradition. Devotees worship Chandra Dev (Moon God) and break their fast after offering prayers upon sighting the moon.

According to the Panchang, the Moon rises at 6:32 AM and sets at 8:19 PM today. Although the most favourable time for Chandra Darshan is shortly after sunset, the visibility of the moon depends on local weather conditions and geographical location.

In Hindu belief, Chandra Dev is one of the Navagrahas and is associated with wisdom, emotional balance, prosperity, and good fortune. Worshipping the Moon on Chandra Darshan is believed to strengthen positive planetary influences and bless devotees with success and happiness.

Religious scholars note that Ashadha Gupt Navratri is particularly significant for spiritual growth and inner discipline rather than public celebrations. Temples across the country have organised special pujas, Durga recitations, and devotional programmes, while many devotees are performing rituals at home.

With both Ashadha Gupt Navratri and Chandra Darshan falling on the same day this year, devotees are expected to participate in special prayers seeking the blessings of Goddess Durga and Chandra Dev for health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.