Navratri, the nine-night festival honoring Goddess Durga, is one of India’s most unifying yet diverse celebrations. From Monday, September 22nd to Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, the country will erupt in a joyous spectacle of devotion and culture. But the way Navratri is celebrated changes with the landscape. From the energetic dance circles in the west to the artistic doll displays in the south, each state adds its unique flavor. Let's embark on a journey to see how different parts of India celebrate this incredible festival.
North India (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh): The Epic of Ramlila
In the northern states, Navratri is synonymous with Ramlila, a theatrical reenactment of the life of Lord Rama. For nine nights, stages are set up in towns and cities, culminating on the tenth day (Dussehra) with the grand finale: the burning of giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and son Meghnada. It's a dramatic spectacle symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
Gujarat: The Heartbeat of Garba and Dandiya
In Gujarat, Navratri is all about rhythm, movement, and colourful celebrations. Cities and towns come alive with Garba and Dandiya Raas, where people dress in traditional attire, chaniya cholis for women and kediyus for men, and dance in circles to folk music. These events, held in open grounds or community spaces, turn into massive social gatherings filled with joy, lights, and music that lasts late into the night.
West Bengal: Grand Durga Puja Celebrations
In West Bengal, Navratri overlaps with Durga Puja, the most significant festival in the region. Giant pandals (temporary temples) are set up with beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga. For five days, people dress in traditional Bengali attire, offer prayers, enjoy cultural performances, and savour a variety of sweets and snacks. The festival ends with Visarjan, the ritual of immersing the idols in rivers or seas, symbolizing the goddess's return to her heavenly home
Tamil Nadu: Golu – The Festival of Dolls
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is known for Golu, an artistic display of dolls and figurines arranged on steps in households and temples. Each year, families get creative with their themes, ranging from mythological stories to everyday village life. Visitors are invited to view the Golu, sing devotional songs, and participate in pujas dedicated to goddesses like Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It’s a blend of creativity, devotion, and social harmony.
Karnataka: Royal Mysuru Dasara
In Karnataka, particularly in the city of Mysuru, Navratri transforms into Mysuru Dasara, a royal celebration that showcases Karnataka’s rich heritage. The main event is the Jumbo Savari, a grand procession where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on a decorated elephant. The 10-day festival includes cultural performances, exhibitions, processions, and illuminated palaces, attracting visitors from all over the country.
Punjab: Fasting, Jagrans, and Kanjak
In Punjab, Navratri is observed through devotional fasting and Jagrans, night-long singing sessions to praise the goddess. The last two days, Ashtami and Navami, are especially important. On these days, families perform the Kanjak ritual, where young girls are invited into homes, worshiped as forms of the goddess, and served food and gifts as blessings.
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra
While most of India wraps up Navratri on the tenth day, Himachal Pradesh begins its celebration of Kullu Dussehra a week later. In the scenic Kullu Valley, the festival begins with a deity procession led by Lord Raghunath, accompanied by local gods carried from nearby villages. Folk music, dance performances, and fairs turn the town into a festive hub that lasts for days, celebrating community spirit and divine blessings.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Bathukamma – The Festival of Flowers
In Telangana and parts of Andhra Pradesh, Navratri is celebrated as Bathukamma, meaning "Mother Goddess Come Alive." Women create flower arrangements using seasonal blossoms, stacking them in a cone shape. They gather around the floral creations, sing folk songs, and dance in circles as a tribute to Goddess Gauri. On the final day, these flower arrangements are floated in nearby water bodies, marking a beautiful conclusion to the festivities.
Maharashtra: The Sanctity of Ghatasthapana
In Maharashtra, the festival begins with Ghatasthapana, a ritual where a kalash (clay pot) filled with water, symbolizing the goddess, is installed in the home. The pot is placed on a bed of soil where grains are sown, and the germination of these grains is seen as a sign of prosperity. The nine days are considered highly auspicious for buying new property, vehicles, or starting new ventures.
One Festival, Many Expressions
Navratri in 2025 continues to be a festival that unites India in spirit while celebrating its cultural diversity. From Gujarat’s dance-filled nights to West Bengal’s spiritual grandeur, and from the creative Golu displays in Tamil Nadu to the floral elegance of Bathukamma in Telangana, every state adds its own colour to this national celebration.
It’s not just about rituals, Navratri is about joy, community, tradition, and devotion. Whether you're dancing, fasting, decorating, or simply praying, you’re taking part in one of India’s most cherished and inclusive festivals.
