Kolkata, West Bengal
Nowhere is the goddess worshipped with more artistic fervour than in Kolkata during Durga Puja, which coincides with Navratri. The city becomes a living art gallery, with thousands of elaborate temporary temples, or 'pandals', each housing a stunning
idol of Goddess Durga. The energy is infectious, with millions of people pandal-hopping, savouring street food, and soaking in the cultural performances. It is a visual and spiritual feast that culminates with the immersion of the idols in the Hooghly River on Vijayadashami.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
As the heartland of Navratri, Gujarat is synonymous with Garba, the traditional dance that defines the festival. In cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara, the nights come alive with the rhythmic clapping and swirling of dancers dressed in vibrant 'chaniya cholis' and 'kurta pyjamas'. From large-scale commercial events to intimate neighbourhood gatherings, the entire state turns into one massive dance floor, celebrating Goddess Ambe with unparalleled energy and joy.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai embraces Navratri with a cosmopolitan flair. The city hosts some of the biggest and most glamorous Dandiya and Garba nights, often featuring live bands and famous singers. Beyond the star-studded events, communities across the city organise their own celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere that is both traditional and modern. It’s a place where you can dance the night away with thousands of fellow revellers.
Delhi
The capital city offers a multifaceted Navratri experience. It is famous for its grand Ramlila productions, theatrical retellings of the Ramayana that are staged across the city, most notably at the Red Fort grounds. For a taste of Durga Puja, head to Chittaranjan Park (CR Park), Delhi’s mini-Bengal, where you’ll find authentic pandals, Bengali cuisine, and cultural events.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Experience one of the world's oldest and most unique Ramlila performances in Varanasi. The Ramlila at Ramnagar, staged over a month, is a spectacle of traditional theatre where different locations in the town serve as sets for various scenes from the epic. The devotion and authenticity of the performances, held by the banks of the Ganges, offer a deeply spiritual and unforgettable Navratri experience.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
In Kullu, the festival begins on Vijayadashami, the day Navratri ends elsewhere. Known as Kullu Dussehra, this week-long festival is a magnificent spectacle. Deities from temples across the valley are brought to Kullu town in ornate palanquins to pay homage to Lord Raghunath. The fairground buzzes with folk music, dance, and a vibrant market, set against the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas.
Mysore, Karnataka
Navratri in Mysore, or 'Dasara' as it is known here, is a royal affair with a 400-year-old history. The entire city is illuminated, with the grand Mysore Palace lit up by nearly 100,000 bulbs. The highlight is the Jamboo Savari, a grand procession on Vijayadashami featuring decorated elephants, dance troupes, and musical bands, with the main elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
Bastar, Chhattisgarh
For a truly unique cultural immersion, head to the tribal heartland of Bastar. Here, Dussehra is a 75-day long festival dedicated to Devi Danteshwari, the local presiding deity. Unlike anywhere else, Ravana is not burned. Instead, the festival involves a fascinating series of rituals performed by indigenous communities, offering a glimpse into ancient traditions that predate the mainstream epic narratives.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is celebrated with 'Bommai Golu', an enchanting exhibition of dolls. Families arrange dolls and figurines on tiered steps, depicting mythological stories, courtly life, and everyday scenes. It is a social and creative festival where households welcome guests to view their Golu displays and exchange traditional sweets and gifts. It’s a quieter, more artistic celebration.
Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
For devout Hindus, Navratri is the most auspicious time to undertake the pilgrimage to the holy Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra. The entire town is decorated, and the atmosphere is charged with devotion. Thousands of pilgrims trek up the Trikuta Mountains to seek the blessings of the goddess. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board also organised a vibrant Navratri festival with cultural and religious events.
Hyderabad, Telangana
Concurrent with Navratri, Hyderabad celebrates Bathukamma, a beautiful festival dedicated to Maha Gauri. Women create colourful flower stacks, known as 'Bathukammas', and worship them for nine days before setting them afloat in water bodies. The final day involves large community gatherings with women singing and dancing around their floral creations, making for a unique and colourful spectacle.
Across Punjab
In Punjab, Navratri is marked by fasting and prayers. A key tradition is the 'Kanjak Puja' or 'Kanya Pujan', celebrated on the eighth (Ashtami) or ninth (Navami) day. Young girls, considered to be the embodiment of the goddess, are welcomed into homes, their feet are washed, and they are offered 'halwa', 'puri', and 'chane' as a mark of respect.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Pink City glows even brighter during Navratri. Temples dedicated to the goddess, like the Jamwai Mata Temple and Shila Devi Temple in Amer Fort, draw huge crowds. The city also embraces the festive spirit with lively Garba and Dandiya nights, blending Rajasthani folk culture with the traditional Gujarati dance forms. It’s a celebration steeped in royal heritage.
Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
The Kanaka Durga Temple, perched atop the Indrakeeladri hill in Vijayawada, is the epicentre of Dasara celebrations in Andhra Pradesh. The goddess is adorned in a different form each day of Navratri, attracting millions of devotees. The festival culminates with a boat festival ('Theppotsavam') in the Krishna River, offering a divine and scenic experience.
Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Indore boasts a spirited Navratri scene with a strong influence from neighbouring Gujarat. The city is known for its energetic Garba events that attract massive crowds. What sets it apart is the incredible street food culture, especially at Sarafa Bazaar and Chappan Dukan, which become hubs for late-night festive feasting after an evening of dance and devotion.
