Gupt Navratri begins July 15 with Gajakesari Yoga:Chaturmas begins July 25, suspending marriages and other auspicious ceremonies

The Gupt Navratri will begin on July 15, while Chaturmas will commence on July 25 with Devshayani Ekadashi, bringing a halt to marriages and other auspicious ceremonies for the next four months. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Vishnu enters Yoga Nidra in Kshirsagar on Devshayani Ekadashi and remains in that state throughout Chaturmas. As a result, marriages, housewarming ceremonies, Mundan, Upanayan and other auspicious events are not performed during this period. Rare 12-year celestial combination marks Gupt Navratri As per the Hindu Panchang, Ashadha Shukla Pratipada falls on July 15, marking the beginning of the nine-day Gupt Navratri. This year, the festival begins with the rare conjunction of Gajakesari Yoga and Budh Pushya Yoga, a combination astrologers say is occurring after 12 years. Astrologer Pandit Amar Dibbewala said that on July 15, Wednesday, coincides with Pushya Nakshatra, while the Moon will be in Karka Rashi. The conjunction of the Moon and Jupiter will form Gajakesari Yoga. Since Jupiter returns to the same zodiac sign only once every 12 years, the alignment is considered especially significant. No weddings even on Bhadli Navami Although Bhadli Navami, traditionally regarded as an auspicious day for marriages, falls during Gupt Navratri this year, weddings will not be performed. According to Pandit Dibbewala, Guru Tara will become Asta on July 16, making marriage muhurats invalid despite the presence of Bhadli Navami. Period considered significant for spiritual practices Gupt Navratri, observed during the Ashadha and Magha months, is considered especially important for spiritual practices, meditation, worship and tantric sadhana, according to religious traditions. During this year’s Gupt Navratri, astrologers say two Sarvartha Siddhi Yogas and three Ravi Yogas will also be formed. These combinations are considered favourable for starting new ventures, banking-related work, technology projects, office relocation and business activities. Four Navratris observed every year According to the Shrimad Devi Bhagavata Purana, four Navratris are observed annually. The Navratris in Ashadha and Magha are known as Gupt Navratri, while those celebrated in Chaitra and Ashwin are referred to as Prakat Navratri. Gupt Navratri is traditionally associated with spiritual discipline, worship and esoteric practices.