For over two decades, I have traveled across India to immerse myself in the spirit of Navratri - a festival that unites devotion, art, dance, music, and culture. From the grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata to the meditative rituals of Varanasi, each destination reflects a unique expression of Maa Durga’s power. Navratri (22 September – 1 October, 2025) is not just a festival; it is a pilgrimage of the soul, and these seven places showcase its diversity in the most beautiful ways.
1. Kolkata, West Bengal – The Living Heart of Durga Puja
No matter how many times I return, Kolkata during Navratri (Durga Puja) overwhelms me with devotion and artistry. Here, Navratri is celebrated in its last four days—Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Dashami - with Durga Puja being the center of attraction.
Rituals & Highlights:
Bodhon (invoking the Goddess) marks the beginning of the festivities.
Pushpanjali and Kumari Puja on Ashtami are deeply spiritual; young girls are worshipped as living embodiments of Maa Durga.
Sindoor Khela on Dashami, where married women smear each other with vermillion before bidding farewell to the Goddess, is a sight of both joy and bittersweet emotion.
Temples & Pandals:
Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Kalighat Temple are must-visits for devotees.
Pandals like Bagbazar, Kumartuli Park, and Ekdalia Evergreen are famous for their grandeur and themes.
Cultural Notes:
The sound of dhaak drums, cultural performances, and feasts (bhog) unite millions.
On Dashami, idols are immersed in the Hooghly River, a symbolic return of Maa Durga to Mount Kailash.
Kolkata is devotion, culture, and artistry in its most exalted form.
2. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Soulful Rhythm of Garba
For 20 years, I have seen Ahmedabad transform into a city that doesn’t sleep for nine nights. Garba here is not just a dance - it’s worship in motion.
Rituals & Practices:
Fasting during the day, breaking it with simple food after evening aarti.
The garbo (earthen pot with a lamp inside) symbolizes Maa Shakti; people dance in circles around it.
Each night begins with Maa Durga’s aarti, followed by Garba and Dandiya.
Major Garba Venues:
GMDC Ground, Rajpath Club, and YMCA Club host massive gatherings.
Sheri Garba (street Garba) offers an authentic, community-based experience.
Temples to Visit:
Ambaji Temple (one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, 3 hours from Ahmedabad).
Bahuchar Mata Temple, dedicated to the goddess of fertility and protection.
The devotion in Ahmedabad is palpable - every clap, every step, and every song echoes Maa Shakti’s power.
3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Sacred Devotion by the Ganga
In Varanasi, Navratri takes on a serene and meditative tone. This is the city where faith feels eternal.
Rituals & Highlights:
Devotees observe fasting (vrat), recite the Durga Saptashati, and visit temples.
The evenings are magical with the Ganga Aarti, where priests chant Vedic hymns and light large oil lamps by the river.
The festival culminates with the grand Ramleela of Varanasi, one of the oldest theatrical traditions in India.
Important Temples:
Durga Kund Mandir, where the Goddess is worshipped as Mahishasura Mardini.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, draws thousands during Navratri.
Annapurna Devi Mandir, linked to nourishment and abundance, is thronged with devotees.
Cultural Notes:
Ramnagar hosts one of the most elaborate Ramleelas, attracting pilgrims worldwide.
On Dashami, symbolic effigies of Ravana are burnt, signifying Rama’s victory.
Varanasi is where Navratri becomes an intimate dialogue with the divine.
4. Mysore, Karnataka – The Royal Naada Habba
Mysore Dussehra, known as Naada Habba, has been celebrated for over 400 years, and even after decades of attending, the grandeur humbles me.
Rituals & Highlights:
Mysore Palace is illuminated with 100,000 bulbs for 10 days.
On Vijayadashami, the idol of Chamundeshwari Devi is paraded atop a golden howdah carried by an elephant.
Cultural performances include Carnatic music, folk dances, and traditional processions.
Temples to Visit:
Chamundeshwari Temple on Chamundi Hill - believed to be where Goddess Chamundi killed Mahishasura.
Trinesvaraswamy Temple, within Mysore Palace grounds, plays a special role during Dussehra.
Unique Practices:
The Jumbo Savari procession is attended by lakhs of people.
Exhibitions (Dasara Exhibition) showcase Karnataka’s arts, crafts, and traditions.
Mysore’s Navratri is a rare blend of devotion, culture, and heritage.
5. Mumbai, Maharashtra – Where Devotion Meets Glamour
Mumbai brings both the personal devotion of households and the extravaganza of Garba nights to Navratri.
Rituals & Practices:
Families perform Ghatasthapana on the first day, planting grains around a clay pot representing the Goddess.
Many observe fasts, offer bhog of coconut, fruits, and sweets, and chant the Durga Chalisa.
Garba & Dandiya Venues:
Andheri Sports Complex, Goregaon Exhibition Grounds, and Malad Marve Road are famous for grand events.
Local housing societies also host smaller but equally spirited Garba nights.
Temples to Visit:
Mahalaxmi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Laxmi, draws thousands.
Mumbadevi Temple, the city’s presiding deity, is thronged during Navratri.
Mumbai’s Navratri is where spirituality meets the city’s signature vibrance.
6. Delhi – Confluence of Traditions
Delhi offers a unique fusion of Navratri traditions from across India.
Rituals & Highlights:
The Ramleela of Red Fort Maidan is legendary, concluding with burning of Ravana’s effigies on Dussehra.
In Chittaranjan Park, the city turns into a mini-Kolkata with elaborate Durga Puja pandals.
Community Garba and Dandiya events are organized across South and West Delhi.
Temples to Visit:
Jhandewalan Temple, one of the oldest Shakti temples in Delhi.
Chhatarpur Temple, dedicated to Katyayani Devi, is thronged with devotees.
Kalkaji Mandir, dedicated to Goddess Kali, sees thousands of pilgrims.
Delhi’s Navratri is like a spiritual festival of India in microcosm - every tradition finds a home here.
7. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – The Himalayan Navratri
Kullu offers a unique version of Navratri that begins after Vijayadashami, unlike the rest of India.
Rituals & Highlights:
Hundreds of village deities (devtas) are carried in colorful palanquins to the Kullu valley.
The festival lasts for 7 days, with Raghunathji (Lord Rama) as the presiding deity.
Effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhakarna are burnt amidst folk songs and dances.
Temples to Visit:
Raghunath Temple, central to Kullu Dussehra.
Hadimba Devi Temple in nearby Manali, visited by devotees during the celebrations.
Cultural Notes:
The festival has UNESCO recognition for its unique cultural significance.
The Himalayan backdrop adds an otherworldly serenity to the celebrations.
Kullu’s Navratri is less commercial and more rooted in tradition, offering a deeply spiritual escape.
Two decades of exploring Navratri have taught me that while rituals differ, the essence remains the same: devotion to the Divine Feminine. Kolkata moves the heart, Ahmedabad energizes the body, Varanasi calms the soul, Mysore dazzles the eyes, Mumbai blends old and new, Delhi unites traditions, and Kullu humbles the spirit amidst nature.
In 2025, wherever you choose to go, remember: Navratri is not just celebrated in temples and pandals- it lives in every devotee’s heart. When you travel in Her name, every step becomes a pilgrimage, and every night becomes a prayer.