Navratri and Durga Puja are two of the most celebrated festivals in India, symbolizing the eternal triumph of good over evil and the power of the divine feminine. Navratri, meaning “nine nights,” is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms.
Across India, these nine days are observed with fasting, prayers, music, dance, and cultural festivities. In the north and west, devotees immerse themselves in Garba and Dandiya Raas, while in the south, temples come alive with rituals and devotional songs.
At the same time, Durga Puja — celebrated with grandeur in West Bengal and many eastern states — honors Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. Elaborate pandals, artistic idols, and cultural performances transform cities into vibrant hubs of devotion and creativity.
Together, Navratri and Durga Puja are not just religious observances; they are a celebration of India’s cultural diversity, spiritual depth, and community bonding. Each region adds its unique flavor — from Gujarat’s colorful Garba nights to the royal processions of Mysore Dasara and the spiritual pilgrimages of Vaishno Devi.
In this article, let’s journey across 12 iconic destinations in India where Navratri and Durga Puja are celebrated with unmatched energy, devotion, and grandeur.
Mata Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir
The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi becomes one of the most visited pilgrimage sites during Navratri. Lakhs of devotees undertake the sacred trek to the shrine located in the Trikuta Hills. The path is adorned with lights, flowers, and devotional songs, creating a deeply spiritual environment. Special bhajans, jagrans, and yagnas are performed, and the temple remains open around the clock to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Navratri here is not just about celebration but about experiencing inner peace and divine blessings from the Mother Goddess.
Kolkata, West Bengal
Kolkata’s Navratri coincides with Durga Puja, which is arguably the grandest celebration in India. The city turns into a cultural extravaganza with artistic pandals, elaborately designed idols of Goddess Durga, and vibrant cultural performances. Each pandal showcases creativity — from mythological themes to modern art concepts. Streets are filled with festive lights, people in traditional attire, and food stalls offering Bengali delicacies. On the last day, the grand immersion procession of Durga idols into the river Hooghly is a sight to behold, symbolizing the departure of the Goddess back to her heavenly abode.
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Ahmedabad is considered the Garba capital of the world during Navratri. The city transforms into a festive hub where locals and tourists gather to participate in all-night Garba and Dandiya Raas. Dressed in colorful traditional attire, chaniya cholis, and kediyus, people dance around beautifully decorated stages dedicated to Goddess Durga. Music, lights, and devotion fill the air, making it one of the most vibrant Navratri celebrations in India. Apart from dance, the city also organizes cultural events, exhibitions, and festive food stalls that serve authentic Gujarati flavors.
Bastar, Chhattisgarh
In Bastar, Chhattisgarh, Navratri is not just about devotion; it’s a vibrant celebration of the region’s tribal heritage and centuries-old customs. The focal point of the festivities is the sacred Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the kuldevi (family deity) of the local tribes.
Unlike the grand pandals of Bengal or the Garba nights of Gujarat, Bastar’s Navratri has a deeply earthy and cultural touch. Rituals performed here highlight tribal traditions, folk art, and community bonding that have been preserved through generations.
The highlight of the festival is the procession of deities on a large, beautifully carved wooden chariot that symbolizes divine unity. This chariot attracts devotees from near and far, as idols of local gods and goddesses from surrounding villages join the pilgrimage. The festival becomes a vibrant tapestry of faith and cultural pride, uniting the entire community in a powerful expression of solidarity.
Vadodara, Gujarat
Vadodara, also called Sanskar Nagari (Cultural City), is home to one of the largest Navratri celebrations in the world. The United Way Garba event attracts thousands of participants every night, making it the biggest Garba gathering globally. The atmosphere is electrifying with traditional music, live bands, and dancers moving gracefully in concentric circles. People of all ages join in, creating a sense of unity and devotion. Besides Garba, the city hosts fairs, cultural exhibitions, and temple rituals, making Vadodara a must-visit destination during Navratri.
Delhi, India
In the national capital, Navratri is celebrated with both devotion and grandeur. The highlight is the grand Ramlila performances, particularly at Ram Lila Maidan and Red Fort grounds, where stories from the Ramayana are enacted. Thousands of people gather to watch the dramatic retelling of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, ending with the burning of huge effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran. Delhi also boasts beautifully crafted Durga Puja pandals in areas like Chittaranjan Park, giving visitors a glimpse of Bengal’s festive spirit. Temples such as Chhatarpur Mandir are thronged by devotees fasting and seeking blessings.
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Mumbai celebrates Navratri with unmatched energy, glamour, and devotion. The city’s Garba and Dandiya nights are among the most popular in India, often attended by Bollywood celebrities. Famous venues in Goregaon, Thane, and Borivali host massive dance events featuring live music, DJs, and thousands of participants. Along with dance, many people observe fasting and visit temples such as Mumbadevi Temple. The blend of spirituality and entertainment makes Mumbai’s Navratri celebrations unique and appealing to people of all ages.
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Jaipur celebrates Navratri with a unique blend of devotion, folk traditions, and royal grandeur. The city is dotted with beautifully decorated Durga temples and pandals where devotees gather for prayers and cultural activities. Folk dances like Ghoomar, devotional songs, and Ramlila performances are a major attraction during these nine days. The Pink City is illuminated with lights, and locals observe fasts and rituals with dedication. For tourists, it’s also the perfect time to explore Jaipur’s palaces and forts while enjoying the festive spirit.
Mysore, Karnataka
Mysore is renowned for its royal Dasara festival, one of the oldest and most magnificent Navratri celebrations in India. The Mysore Palace is illuminated with nearly 100,000 lights, creating a magical view. The highlight is the grand Jumbo Savari (elephant procession), where Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a golden howdah, accompanied by music, dance, and folk performances. Cultural events, exhibitions, and fairs are also organized, showcasing Karnataka’s rich heritage. Mysore’s Navratri is truly a royal spectacle.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India, celebrates Navratri with a perfect blend of religious rituals and cultural traditions. The temples, especially Kashi Vishwanath Temple, are decorated with flowers and lights. Special pujas, chanting of mantras, and devotional music resonate across the ghats. The evening Ganga Aarti becomes even more mesmerizing during these nine nights, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Another highlight is the Ramlila of Ramnagar, a 200-year-old tradition where episodes from the Ramayana are enacted over several days, drawing huge crowds.
Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
The Kullu Valley in Himachal Pradesh witnesses one of the most unique Navratri celebrations in India, famously known as the Kullu Dussehra. Unlike most regions where Dussehra marks the end of festivities, in Kullu, the grand celebration begins on Dussehra day and continues for an entire week.
The highlight of Kullu Dussehra is the arrival of nearly 200 local deities from villages across the valley. Carried in colorful processions with music, dance, and traditional rituals, these deities assemble at the historic Raghunathji Temple in Kullu. This divine congregation is a breathtaking sight, symbolizing the harmony between humans and their gods.
The festival not only commemorates Lord Ram’s victory over Ravana but also showcases the region’s rich culture, vibrant traditions, and communal unity. With its scenic Himalayan backdrop, folk performances, and grand processions, Kullu Dussehra is truly a blend of spirituality, culture, and nature’s beauty, making it one of the best Navratri destinations in India.
Coorg, Karnataka
In Coorg, Navratri is celebrated with simplicity and deep devotion. Families perform special pujas at home, decorating their prayer rooms and invoking the blessings of Goddess Chamundeshwari. Traditional rituals, Kolu (doll arrangement), are common in households, where dolls and figurines are arranged in steps and worshipped. Temples in Coorg also organize special prayers, while locals wear traditional Kodava attire and prepare festive meals. Though quieter compared to Mysore or Gujarat, Coorg’s Navratri reflects the essence of devotion and community bonding.
Conclusion:
From the spiritual ghats of Varanasi to the royal grandeur of Mysore, Navratri is celebrated in diverse ways across India. Whether you want to dance the night away in Ahmedabad Garba, witness Durga Puja in Kolkata, or experience tribal traditions in Bastar, each place offers a unique flavor of devotion, culture, and joy.
