NEW DELHI, Oct. 30, 2025 — The auspicious festival of Amla Navami — also known as Akshaya Navami or Amla Navmi — will be observed this year on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025. It falls on the Navami (9th) day of the Shukla Paksha of the Kartik month according to the Hindu lunar calendar. The day holds rich religious, health and cultural significance, centering on the worship of the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree and the concept of “akshaya” or inexhaustible merit.
Significance of Amla Navami
Spiritual & scriptural meaning
The term “Akshaya” means “ever-growing” or “never diminishing”, and the day is regarded as one on which any devotional or charitable act yields persistent spiritual reward. (Drik Panchang) It is also associated with the beginning of Satya Yuga, the first age in Hindu cosmology, thereby marking an auspicious time for religious observances.
Why the Amla tree?
The Amla tree is considered sacred in many Hindu traditions. On this day, devotees worship the tree because it is believed to be the abode of deities, including Lord Vishnu. The tree’s medicinal value is also referenced—eating Amla or performing rituals under it is believed to bring health, longevity and spiritual purification.
Date & auspicious timings for 2025
- Navami Tithi begins: Oct. 30, 2025 at about 10:06 a.m.
- Navami Tithi ends: Oct. 31, 2025 at about 10:03 a.m.
- The best muhurat (auspicious time) for puja is early morning of Oct. 31.
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How to celebrate: Puja Vidhi and practices
Here’s a practical guide to celebrate Amla Navami meaningfully:
Preparation
- Wake up early, take a bath and wear clean clothes.
- If possible, find an Amla tree (in your courtyard, garden, temple or public space). If unavailable, you may bring a fresh branch/leaf of an Amla tree indoors.
Puja Rituals
- Face the east direction while performing the puja under/near the tree. Offer water and/or raw milk to the roots of the Amla tree.
- Offer items such as turmeric (haldi), kumkum (vermilion), flowers, akshat (unbroken rice), and fruits including fresh Amla.
- Wrap a raw thread or mauli (yellow or red sacred thread) around the tree.
- Perform arati (light a ghee or camphor lamp) facing the tree and the deities.
- Perform parikrama (circumambulation) of the tree — commonly 8, 108 or 21 times depending on tradition.
- Offer sweets, puri, sabzi, or a simple meal beneath the shade of the Amla tree — or donate these to those in need.
- Charity (daan) is emphasised: donating food, clothes, money, or items like gold, land or trees is considered “akshaya” (ever-lasting) merit.
What to avoid
- Avoid cutting or harming the Amla tree.
- It is advisable not to lend money on this day according to some traditions.
Regional practices & folk beliefs
- In West Bengal the same day is celebrated as Jagaddhatri Puja, where Goddess Jagaddhatri is worshipped with great devotion.
- In Odisha, the tradition includes cooking food under the Amla tree and offering naivedya (food offerings) to the tree and deities.
- Women traditionally sit under the Amla tree and pray for the welfare of their children, health of the family and overall prosperity.
Why the festival remains relevant today
Beyond ritual, Amla Navami symbolises gratitude to nature, recognition of sacred trees and awareness of health (due to the Amla’s medicinal properties). In modern times, it also serves as a reminder of self-less charity, environmental respect and family ritual. The combination of ancient belief and practical wellness makes the festival meaningful for contemporary life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A. Amla Navami in 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, October 31. The Navami Tithi begins on October 30 at 10:06 a.m. and ends on October 31 at 10:03 a.m. The most auspicious time for worship is during the early morning hours of October 31, preferably under or near an Amla (gooseberry) tree.
A. Amla Navami, also known as Akshaya Navami, is celebrated to honor the Amla (Indian gooseberry) tree, considered sacred in Hindu tradition. The day marks the beginning of Satya Yuga and symbolizes immortal blessings (“Akshaya”). Worshipping the Amla tree and performing charity on this day is believed to bring prosperity, longevity, and good health.
A. Devotees perform puja rituals beneath the Amla tree, offering water, turmeric, kumkum, flowers, fruits, and sweets. Women pray for their family’s well-being, tie a sacred thread around the tree, and perform parikrama (circumambulation). Eating or donating food made under the tree is considered auspicious, as is feeding the poor and performing daan (charity).
A. Both names refer to the same festival, observed on the ninth day (Navami) of Shukla Paksha in the Kartik month. While Amla Navami emphasizes the worship of the Amla tree, Akshaya Navami highlights the day’s eternal merit (“Akshaya”) for performing religious deeds and donations.
A. The Amla tree is revered not only spiritually but also for its Ayurvedic healing properties. Its fruit is rich in Vitamin C, supports immunity, and promotes longevity. Spiritually, worshipping the Amla tree on this day is said to cleanse negative karma, strengthen family bonds, and attract divine blessings from Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi.
