India, July 11 -- Unlike Chaitra and Sharad Navratri, which are celebrated with temple visits, festive gatherings and public worship, Gupt Navratri is observed quietly through meditation, mantra chanting and inner spiritual practices. According to a spiritual teacher of Ramkrishna Mission, Yuvika Dhar, this lesser-known Navratri is a time for seekers to turn inward and strengthen their spiritual connection through discipline and devotion.

This year, the Gupt Navratri will be observed from Wednesday, July 15, to Thursday, July 23. Devotees who wish to perform ghat sthapana, the ritual that marks the beginning of Navratri, can do so between 5:33 a.m. and 10:09 a.m. on July 15.

The festival falls during the Hindu month of Ashadha, which is...