Sharad Navratri 2025: How States Across India Celebrate the Nine-Day Festival
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Sharad Navratri 2025 , also known as Maha Navratri , is one of the most significant Hindu festivals dedicated to Goddess Durga. Falling between 22nd September and 2nd October 2025, this nine-day festival honours the divine feminine power, with each day dedicated to a different form of Maa Durga. The celebrations culminate with Dussehra or Vijayadashami, symbolising the eternal triumph of good over evil.
Significance of Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin during Sharad Ritu (autumn season), which gives the festival its name. It is considered more widely observed than Chaitra Navratri, which is celebrated earlier in the year. According to mythology, Goddess Durga was created by the combined powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to destroy the demon Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by men or Gods. After nine nights of fierce battle, Maa Durga defeated Mahishasura on Vijayadashami.
Rituals and Daily Observances
Sharad Navratri in Different States of India
Durga Puja in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Sharad Navratri transforms into the grand Durga Puja celebrations, also called Pujo. Massive pandals house intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga, accompanied by chants, bells, lights, and devotional music. Rituals like Pushpanjali, Sindoor Khela, and the final immersion of idols in rivers mark the spirit of devotion and joy.
Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat
Gujarat celebrates Navratri with unmatched enthusiasm through Garba and Dandiya Raas. Men and women, dressed in vibrant ethnic attire, gather in large groups to dance around the idol of Durga with rhythmic steps. This tradition has spread beyond Gujarat, becoming popular in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, making Navratri a truly pan-Indian festivity.
Mysuru Dussehra in Karnataka
In Karnataka, the highlight of Sharad Navratri is the world-famous Mysuru Dussehra. The royal family leads rituals dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, revered as the slayer of Mahishasura. The festivities include a grand procession with decorated elephants, cultural performances, folk dances, and tableaux, making it a spectacular cultural extravaganza.
Ramleela and Dussehra in North India
In states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, Navratri celebrations include Ramleela performances - dramatized stories of Lord Ram, Sita, and Ravan. On Dussehra, giant effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze, signifying the destruction of evil forces.
Kanjak Puja Traditions
In northern states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, Kanjak Puja or Kanya Puja is observed on Ashtami or Navami. Young girls, symbolising Goddess Durga’s energy and purity, are worshipped and offered food, new clothes, and gifts. The traditional prasad - puri, chana, and halwa - is a staple part of the ritual.
Why Sharad Navratri Stands Out
Unlike other Hindu festivals, Sharad Navratri blends spirituality, devotion, and cultural vibrancy. From the artistic splendour of Durga Puja to the rhythmic beats of Garba and the dramatic Ramleela, the festival unites India in diverse yet harmonious celebrations.
Sharad Navratri 2025 is more than a religious festival - it’s a celebration of faith, strength, and the power of good over evil. Whether it’s through grand Durga Puja pandals, vibrant Garba nights, the majestic Mysuru Dussehra, or humble Kanya Puja rituals at home, the festival captures India’s cultural richness and devotion to Maa Durga.
Also Read: Shardiya Navratri 2025: Date, Ghatasthapana Muhurat & Durga Puja Significance
Significance of Sharad Navratri
Sharad Navratri is celebrated in the lunar month of Ashwin during Sharad Ritu (autumn season), which gives the festival its name. It is considered more widely observed than Chaitra Navratri, which is celebrated earlier in the year. According to mythology, Goddess Durga was created by the combined powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to destroy the demon Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by men or Gods. After nine nights of fierce battle, Maa Durga defeated Mahishasura on Vijayadashami.
Rituals and Daily Observances
- Each of the nine days is devoted to one form of Navdurga, highlighting her different qualities and strengths.
- In states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, women wear nine colours during the festival, each linked to a planet and weekday.
- Devotees prepare and offer special Prasad every day to seek blessings from the Goddess.
- Families worship either elaborate Durga idols in community pandals or smaller silver idols in home temples.
Sharad Navratri in Different States of India
Durga Puja in West Bengal
In West Bengal, Sharad Navratri transforms into the grand Durga Puja celebrations, also called Pujo. Massive pandals house intricately crafted idols of Goddess Durga, accompanied by chants, bells, lights, and devotional music. Rituals like Pushpanjali, Sindoor Khela, and the final immersion of idols in rivers mark the spirit of devotion and joy.
Garba and Dandiya in Gujarat
Gujarat celebrates Navratri with unmatched enthusiasm through Garba and Dandiya Raas. Men and women, dressed in vibrant ethnic attire, gather in large groups to dance around the idol of Durga with rhythmic steps. This tradition has spread beyond Gujarat, becoming popular in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, making Navratri a truly pan-Indian festivity.
Mysuru Dussehra in Karnataka
In Karnataka, the highlight of Sharad Navratri is the world-famous Mysuru Dussehra. The royal family leads rituals dedicated to Goddess Chamundeshwari, revered as the slayer of Mahishasura. The festivities include a grand procession with decorated elephants, cultural performances, folk dances, and tableaux, making it a spectacular cultural extravaganza.
Ramleela and Dussehra in North India
In states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, Navratri celebrations include Ramleela performances - dramatized stories of Lord Ram, Sita, and Ravan. On Dussehra, giant effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze, signifying the destruction of evil forces.
Kanjak Puja Traditions
In northern states like Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan, Kanjak Puja or Kanya Puja is observed on Ashtami or Navami. Young girls, symbolising Goddess Durga’s energy and purity, are worshipped and offered food, new clothes, and gifts. The traditional prasad - puri, chana, and halwa - is a staple part of the ritual.
Why Sharad Navratri Stands Out
Unlike other Hindu festivals, Sharad Navratri blends spirituality, devotion, and cultural vibrancy. From the artistic splendour of Durga Puja to the rhythmic beats of Garba and the dramatic Ramleela, the festival unites India in diverse yet harmonious celebrations.
Sharad Navratri 2025 is more than a religious festival - it’s a celebration of faith, strength, and the power of good over evil. Whether it’s through grand Durga Puja pandals, vibrant Garba nights, the majestic Mysuru Dussehra, or humble Kanya Puja rituals at home, the festival captures India’s cultural richness and devotion to Maa Durga.
Also Read: Shardiya Navratri 2025: Date, Ghatasthapana Muhurat & Durga Puja Significance
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