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One Spirit, Many Colours: Navaratri Across India


India is culturally, linguistically, climatically, historically very diverse. These differences lead to regional variations in how festivals are celebrated. Hence is the celebration of Navaratri in different states of india. 

Given below are the brief on how it is celebrated in various states of India. This information will give us the feel of proud for our country and its diverse rich culture & traditions. 

Let us start with GUJARAT.....

Gujarat
Garba and Dandiya Raas 
Devotional pujas; Fasting by some.


Large scale open-air dancing, people in traditional dress (lehenga-choli, kediyu); 
very festive, vibrant with lights.


 
West Bengal (Eastern India)
Durga Puja

Pandals: Extremely artistic pandals

 Idol worship of Goddess Durga (plus children Lakshmi, Saraswati etc.),
Rituals over last 5 days, Immersion of idols on Vijaya Dashami.


Major public gatherings; Dhunuchi dances, dhaak drumming.


Tamil Nadu
Golu / Bommai Golu
 
Artistic & cultural rather than mass public processions.

Display of dolls/figurines on steps,
 family & community visits,
 sharing of food like sundal,
 devotional songs.
 

Karnataka
Mysuru Dasara


Royal processions, lighting up palaces 

Ayudha Puja (worship of tools, vehicles, instruments) on the 9th day.

Very grand scale in Mysore; 
Elephant parade (Jumbo Savari); 
Cultural performances, fairs, exhibitions.


Maharashtra
Garba & Dandiya nights
Combination of devotional and social/festive elements

Big city events, 
Household and temple pujas, 
Some fasting,
Iconic pilgrimages (temples) draw large crowds,
Saumangalyam rituals (women inviting female friends, applying kumkum/haldi etc.)




Telangana & Andhra Pradesh
Bathukamma (Especially in Telangana)


Very Regional Aesthetic

Flower arrangements, 
Women’s gatherings, 
Folk songs & dance; ending with immersion.



Kerala
Saraswati Puja

More home/temple centric rather than large dance festivals.
 
Placing books/instruments before Goddess Saraswati, 
Devotional cultural programmes,
Focus on education, arts

 

Himachal Pradesh
Kullu Dussehra

The festival takes place in Kullu, a scenic valley in Himachal Pradesh known for its stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.

Procession of deities, fairs
Villages participate, 
Local gods from nearby places join the main festivity, 
Emphasis on pilgrimage, local tradition.


Punjab / Haryana / North India
Vibrant traditional folk dances like Gidda and Bhangra

Kanya Puja (worship of young girls) around Ashtami or Navami

Ramlila theatrics (esp. Uttar Pradesh) culminating in Dussehra (effigy burning)


Fasting (first 7-days or more), 
Jagrans (night vigils), 
 . 


In India there can be varied reasons to celebrate Navaratri, it may wear in many colors: from Garba circles in Gujarat to doll-displays in the South or grand Pandals in Bengal — yet at its heart lies the same profound devotion. May this shared spirit of faith, unity and triumph of good over evil continue to inspire and unite every corner of the land.

Enjoy the Festival with its true spirit.
By  - Rupal

Comments

  1. ParulSeptember 30, 2025 at 6:54 AM

    Very very good article Rupal ! This really shows how much variety and diversity we have in India and still unity . Thank you Rupal for such informative article 👌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 30, 2025 at 7:03 AM

    Wow ..Great culture and nicely mentioned 👍

    ReplyDelete
  3. JayashreeSeptember 30, 2025 at 7:33 PM

    Very proud of being the part of rich culture. I knew about Navaratri in terms of Gujrati Garba and Maharashtrian Ghat sthapana. Didn’t know if it is celebrated in so many flavour across India. Thank you for sharing the recipe information.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rupal jainSeptember 30, 2025 at 11:37 PM

      Thank you so much for your comments and being part of this article readers group. Happy navaratri. Take care. Good day.

      Delete
  4. Mrudula d shahOctober 1, 2025 at 3:36 AM

    Nice article. Felt good like virtual visit to India. Good information.

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 1, 2025 at 4:47 AM

    Rashesh Shah Nice article

    ReplyDelete

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