Navratri in Chennai, celebrated from Monday, September 22nd to Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, is a festival of beautiful contrasts. While the city's heart beats to the traditional rhythms of Carnatic music and home Kolu displays, it has also embraced the high-energy fun of Dandiya and Garba. This guide covers both the soulful traditional experiences and the exciting pre-Navratri and Navratri dance events happening across the city
The Tradition of Kolu
For many families, Navratri starts with arranging kolu—tiered steps decorated with dolls, idols, and figurines. These setups can be simple or elaborate, telling stories from mythology or everyday life. Guests are invited to view the display, share sweets, and enjoy sundal, a savoury snack made from lentils or chickpeas.
Homes become open spaces for friends, neighbours, and relatives. Songs and bhajans are sung, and children often perform shlokas or music pieces. The tradition keeps alive a sense of community and hospitality that Chennai is known for.
Temple Evenings and Carnatic Concerts
Temples, especially the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, see an increase in visitors. Special pujas are performed, and the courtyards host Carnatic music performances. Cultural organisations like The Music Academy and Narada Gana Sabha organise Navratri kutcheris featuring both young talent and established artists.
For those seeking a quieter form of celebration, these concerts and temple evenings are a chance to experience Navratri through art and devotion.
Modern Twist: Dandiya and Garba in Chennai
In recent years, Chennai has embraced the high-energy celebrations of Dandiya and Garba, once associated mainly with Gujarat and Maharashtra. These events have grown in popularity, offering a different way to enjoy Navratri. You don’t have to be a trained dancer—just stepping into the circle and moving to the beat is enough to feel the festive rush.
Highlights of 2025 Navratri Events in Chennai
Dandiya Garba Workshop at Kutchi Bhavan
Dates: 3–5 September onwards
Time - 7 PM onwards
For those who want to join the dance but aren’t confident with the steps, this workshop at Kutchi Bhavan is the perfect warm-up. Led by Dhruv, it covers the basics of Garba and Dandiya, so you can join bigger events with ease. It’s welcoming to beginners and fun for regulars who want to brush up on their moves.
Navratri Utsav - Safed Utsav Edition at Ambassador Pallava
Date: 6 September onwards
Time - 9 PM onwards
This one-night event promises a lively start to the Navratri season in Chennai. Hosted at the Ambassador Pallava, the Safed Utsav Edition blends music, dance, and themed décor. The “Safed” (white) dress code adds a visual twist, with dancers and audiences alike creating a sea of coordinated colour on the floor.
The Marina Mall Dandiya Nights
Dates: 26th, 27th & 28th September
Time: 10:00 PM – 4:00 AM
The Marina Mall in Egattur brings three nights of non-stop garba and dandiya celebrations. With live DJ beats, festive décor, and an electrifying crowd, this event promises high-energy dancing and plenty of fun. Expect exciting prizes every hour, colourful vibes, and a packed dance floor that keeps the spirit alive till dawn. Perfect for families, groups of friends, and festive enthusiasts, this is one of Chennai’s most happening Navratri nights.
Food and Festive Flavours
Food is an inseparable part of Navratri. At home, sundal is the go-to snack during kolu visits. At event venues, food stalls serve everything from chaats to dosas, giving dancers quick bites to keep their energy up. Some restaurants in the city also roll out special Navratri menus.
Two Sides of the Same Festival
What’s unique about Chennai is how these two forms of celebration, traditional and modern, coexist. A person might spend one evening listening to a serene veena recital at a temple, and the next night dancing to upbeat Garba tracks in a small atrium. Both are part of the same festive spirit.
Navratri here is not fixed to a single format. It's devotion, art, and fun, all finding space in one city over nine nights. Whether you’re in it for the music, the kolu, or the dancing, Chennai’s Navratri nights offer something for everyone.
