The seventh day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, one of the fiercest forms of Durga, who symbolizes the destruction of evil forces and darkness. Goddess Kalaratri is also known as Shubankari, which means the one who does auspicious things, despite her fierce appearance. In 2025, 7th day of Navratri date is September 28.
Here are 10 things to do on the seventh day of Navratri:
1. Worship Goddess Kalaratri
Set up an altar with an idol or image of Goddess Kalaratri.
Offer dark-hued flowers, particularly night-blooming flowers like jasmine, and simple offerings like jaggery, sesame seeds, or coconuts.
Light a diya (lamp) filled with mustard oil and recite the Durga Saptashati or Kalaratri Mantra: “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah” to seek her protection and blessings.
2. Wear White
White is the color associated with the seventh day of Navratri, symbolizing peace and purity, balancing the fierce energy of Goddess Kalaratri.
Wear white clothing or accessories to harmonize with the spiritual energy of the day.
3. Perform Aarti
Perform the morning and evening aarti to Goddess Kalaratri, singing hymns and bhajans dedicated to her.
Use a traditional thali with a mustard oil diya, incense sticks, and flowers during the aarti to honor the goddess and ward off negative energies.
4. Chant Mantras and Meditate
Chant the mantra “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah” to invoke her powerful energy and protection from evil.
Meditate on the goddess’s fierce form, imagining her destroying all negative influences and darkness in your life, bringing peace and clarity.
5. Continue Fasting or Consume Sattvik Meals
If you are observing a fast, continue with sattvik food like fruits, milk, and light vegetarian dishes.
Avoid consuming tamasic food like onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian food to maintain spiritual purity during Navratri.
6. Offer Sesame Seeds and Jaggery
Offer black sesame seeds and jaggery to Goddess Kalaratri as they are considered auspicious. These items symbolize protection from evil forces.
Distribute the prasad among family and friends to share the blessings of the goddess.
7. Light Mustard Oil Lamps
Lighting a mustard oil lamp is a traditional offering to Goddess Kalaratri. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and negative energies.
Light these lamps at the entrance of your home and near your prayer area to keep away harmful influences.
8. Visit a Temple
Visit a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga or a local pandal where Navratri is celebrated. Many temples conduct special rituals and havans (fire rituals) on the day of Kalaratri.
Participate in group prayers and witness the pujas performed to honor the goddess.
9. Recite the Durga Saptashati
Reciting chapters from the Durga Saptashati, especially the parts dealing with the destruction of demons, is considered highly auspicious on this day.
You can also listen to recordings of the Saptashati being recited in the temple or at home.
10. Engage in Acts of Charity
Charity is considered auspicious during Navratri. Donate food, clothing, or money to those in need, especially to women or those struggling with adversity.
Offering food or essentials to people suffering from illness or hardship on this day invokes the blessings of Goddess Kalaratri for protection and peace.
By following these practices on the seventh day of Navratri, you can honor the fierce yet protective energy of Goddess Kalaratri, inviting her blessings to remove obstacles, banish negative forces, and bring light into your life.