Navratri, one of India’s most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals, spans nine nights dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga in her nine forms. This festival is marked by fasting, prayer, dance, music, and devotion. Different parts of India celebrate Navratri with their unique regional traditions, creating a colourful mosaic of cultural diversity. Whether it’s the rhythmic beats of Garba in Gujarat, the grand Durga Puja pandals in West Bengal, or the spiritual energy of temples in the Himalayas, Navratri offers a variety of experiences across the country. Here are the 10 best places in India to celebrate Navratri.
Must-Visit Places for Navratri Celebration in India
Below is a list of places you must explore during Navratri celebrations.
1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Navratri Highlights: Garba, Dandiya Raas, Traditional Attire
Ahmedabad, the cultural heart of Gujarat, is synonymous with Navratri. It is famous for its energetic Garba and Dandiya Raas, which are folk dances performed during the festival. Thousands of people dressed in traditional attire gather in vast grounds to dance to the rhythmic beats of drums and folk songs. The entire city transforms into a festival of lights, music, and joy. The celebration continues all night long with people swirling in their vibrant costumes. Some key spots to experience the best Garba in Ahmedabad include GMDC Ground, YMCA, and Karnavati Club.
Why Visit: Ahmedabad offers one of the most authentic and lively Navratri celebrations, where you can fully immerse yourself in the cultural experience of Garba.
2. Vadodara, Gujarat
Navratri Highlights: Largest Garba Festivals, Devotional Songs
Vadodara (formerly Baroda) is often regarded as the cultural capital of Gujarat and is renowned for hosting the largest Garba celebrations in the world. Navratri in Vadodara combines devotion, culture, and art, with Garba performances that attract visitors from across the globe. The traditional Garba here is performed on a massive scale, with the most popular venues being the United Way Garba and the Vadodara Navratri Festival. The devotional aspect is also prominent, as many people offer prayers to Goddess Durga during these nine nights.
Why Visit: For a large-scale, traditional, and vibrant Garba experience, Vadodara is a must-visit during Navratri.
3. Kolkata, West Bengal
Navratri Highlights: Durga Puja, Artistic Pandals, Idol Immersion
Kolkata’s Durga Puja is world-famous for its grandeur and artistic expression. Though not traditionally called Navratri, the festival coincides with the same time and is essentially the worship of Goddess Durga. The entire city comes alive with decorative pandals (temporary structures housing idols of the goddess), which are often themed and highly artistic. The five days of Durga Puja feature elaborate rituals, cultural performances, feasts, and large processions that end with the immersion of Durga idols in the river on the last day, Vijaya Dashami.
Why Visit: Kolkata offers a unique blend of religious fervor and artistic beauty during Durga Puja, making it one of the most visually captivating places to experience Navratri.
4. Mumbai, Maharashtra
Navratri Highlights: Garba Nights, Celebrity Performances, Special Pandals
Mumbai’s cosmopolitan vibe extends to its Navratri celebrations, where the city hosts a series of glamorous Garba and Dandiya nights. Major grounds and clubs organize large events, where people dance the night away to traditional and Bollywood-style music. Celebrity performances and elaborate sets add to the festivities. Some famous spots to enjoy Navratri in Mumbai include the Kora Kendra and the Kaifi Azmi Park. The city also has its share of Durga Puja pandals, especially in areas like Lokhandwala and Powai.
Why Visit: Mumbai offers a blend of traditional and modern Navratri celebrations, perfect for those who want to enjoy a more glamorous version of the festival.
5. Delhi, Delhi NCR
Navratri Highlights: Ramlila Performances, Grand Temples, Cultural Shows
Navratri in Delhi is marked by a blend of religious rituals and cultural performances. The city hosts grand Ramlila performances—dramatizations of the life of Lord Rama—which culminate in the burning of effigies of Ravana, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Some key places to witness Ramlila include the Ramlila Maidan and Red Fort grounds. In addition, Delhi’s temples like the Jhandewalan and Kalkaji Temples witness huge crowds of devotees offering prayers to Goddess Durga. The city also organizes Garba and Dandiya nights in various neighborhoods.
Why Visit: Delhi provides a rich cultural experience with Ramlila performances and grand temple rituals, making it a great place to experience Navratri.
6. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Navratri Highlights: Temple Visits, Ganga Aarti, Spiritual Atmosphere
Known for its spiritual energy, Varanasi celebrates Navratri with great devotion. The city is home to some of the most revered temples dedicated to Goddess Durga, including the Durga Mandir and Vishalakshi Temple. Pilgrims flock to these temples during Navratri to offer prayers and seek blessings. The Ganga Aarti held at the ghats is a mesmerizing sight, with thousands of lamps lit as offerings to the River Ganga. Varanasi’s tranquil and spiritual atmosphere during Navratri is perfect for those looking for a more meditative and devotional celebration.
Why Visit: Varanasi offers a deeply spiritual Navratri experience, with a focus on prayer, meditation, and devotion in one of India’s holiest cities.
7. Mysore, Karnataka
Navratri Highlights: Mysore Dasara, Royal Processions, Light Displays
Mysore’s Dasara celebrations, coinciding with Navratri, are known for their royal splendor. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of lights, and the city witnesses grand processions featuring the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari, the royal elephant parade, and vibrant cultural performances. The Mysore Dasara Exhibition, held on the grounds, showcases Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage through art, craft, and food stalls. The city transforms into a hub of activities and celebrations, offering a unique South Indian perspective on Navratri.
Why Visit: Mysore is ideal for experiencing Navratri with a royal touch, complete with grand processions and the majestic Mysore Palace illuminated in all its glory.
8. Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Navratri Highlights: Golu Display, Traditional Dances, Devotional Singing
In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is celebrated with the tradition of Golu, where households set up artistic displays of dolls representing deities, mythological scenes, and cultural themes. Visitors are invited to homes to view these displays, sing devotional songs, and offer prayers. Temples in Chennai, such as the Kapaleeshwarar and Parthasarathy Temples, host special pujas and cultural performances during Navratri. Classical dance and Carnatic music performances are also common, reflecting the region’s rich artistic traditions.
Why Visit: Chennai offers a culturally rich and artistic Navratri experience, with the unique tradition of Golu and classical performances.
9. Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Navratri Highlights: Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage, Spiritual Festivities
The town of Katra, nestled in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, is the gateway to the famous Vaishno Devi Temple. Navratri is one of the most important times for this pilgrimage, as devotees flock to seek the blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The journey to the shrine is spiritually uplifting, and the entire town is adorned with lights and decorations during Navratri. Special prayers, bhajans, and cultural programs are held throughout the festival, enhancing the devotional atmosphere.
Why Visit: Katra offers a spiritual Navratri experience through the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, making it an ideal destination for devotees seeking blessings during this auspicious time.
10. Dwarka, Gujarat
Navratri Highlights: Temple Celebrations, Krishna Worship, Devotional Singing
Dwarka, a sacred city on the western coast of Gujarat, is closely associated with Lord Krishna. During Navratri, the Dwarkadhish Temple becomes a focal point of celebrations. Devotees gather to offer prayers, sing bhajans, and participate in temple rituals. The temple is beautifully decorated, and the air is filled with devotion. The city also organizes cultural events, including traditional Garba and Dandiya performances, making it a serene yet festive place to celebrate Navratri.
Why Visit: Dwarka is perfect for those seeking a peaceful and devotional Navratri experience, with a focus on temple rituals and Krishna worship.
Conclusion
Navratri is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s diverse cultural and religious traditions. From the grand Garba nights in Gujarat to the artistic Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata and the spiritual energy of temples in Varanasi, each region brings its own flavor to the celebration. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in traditional dances, marvel at artistic creations, or seek spiritual solace, these 10 places provide unforgettable experiences for celebrating Navratri. Each of these destinations offers a unique perspective on the festival, making them must-visit places for those seeking to witness the rich cultural heritage of India during Navratri. So, what are you waiting for? Book your bus tickets on redBus to these amazing places in India to celebrate Navratri with your loved ones.