Best Cities To Experience Navratri 2025 Celebrations In India

Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant festivals, uniting faith, dance, art, and tradition. From the grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata to the soulful Garba nights in Ahmedabad and the royal spectacle of Mysore, each city offers a unique expression of devotion to Maa Durga. Celebrated from 22 September to 1 October 2025, Navratri is more than a festival it’s a spiritual journey. Here are seven of the best destinations to experience Navratri in India this year.

1. Kolkata, West Bengal – The Cultural Heart of Durga Puja

Kolkata is the epicentre of Durga Puja, celebrated during the last four days of Navratri—Saptami to Dashami.

• Highlights: Bodhon rituals, Kumari Puja, Pushpanjali, and Sindoor Khela.
• Must-visit temples: Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kalighat Temple.
• Famous pandals: Bagbazar, Kumartuli Park, Ekdalia Evergreen.

The city comes alive with dhaak drums, bhog feasts, and vibrant cultural performances, ending with grand idol immersion in the Hooghly River.

2. Ahmedabad, Gujarat – The Soul of Garba

Navratri nights in Ahmedabad are filled with music, claps, and devotional dance.

• Rituals: Fasting during the day, aarti before Garba and Dandiya.
• Major venues: GMDC Ground, Rajpath Club, YMCA Club.
• Temples nearby: Ambaji Temple, Bahuchar Mata Temple.

Ahmedabad’s Garba is worship in motion, with every beat echoing Maa Shakti’s energy.

3. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Faith on the Banks of the Ganga

Varanasi gives Navratri a spiritual and meditative touch.

• Highlights: Durga Saptashati recitations, temple visits, and mesmerising Ganga Aarti.
• Temples: Durga Kund Mandir, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Annapurna Devi Mandir.
• Cultural notes: Ramnagar Ramleela and Ravana effigy burning.

Here, devotion feels eternal and deeply personal.

4. Mysore, Karnataka – The Royal Naada Habba

Mysore’s Dussehra is a regal affair celebrated for over 400 years.

• Highlights: Mysore Palace illuminated with 100,000 bulbs, Chamundeshwari idol procession on Vijayadashami.
• Unique practices: Jumbo Savari, Dasara Exhibition.
• Temples: Chamundeshwari Temple, Trinesvaraswamy Temple.

Mysore offers a blend of grandeur, faith, and cultural pride.

5. Mumbai, Maharashtra – Glamour Meets Devotion

Mumbai balances household rituals with grand Garba nights.

• Practices: Ghatasthapana, fasting, Durga Chalisa recitations.
• Garba hotspots: Andheri Sports Complex, Goregaon Exhibition Grounds, Malad Marve Road.
• Temples: Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbadevi Temple.

Navratri here is a mix of spirituality, glamour, and community celebrations.

6. Delhi – A Fusion of Traditions

Delhi showcases Navratri traditions from across India.

• Highlights: Ramleela at Red Fort, Durga Puja pandals in Chittaranjan Park, Garba in South and West Delhi.
• Temples: Jhandewalan Temple, Chhatarpur Temple, Kalkaji Mandir.

Delhi’s Navratri is a microcosm of India’s diverse culture.

7. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh – The Himalayan Celebration

Unlike the rest of India, Kullu’s Navratri begins after Vijayadashami.

• Highlights: Procession of village deities, Raghunathji worship, Ravana effigy burning.
• Temples: Raghunath Temple, Hadimba Devi Temple.

Recognised by UNESCO, Kullu Dussehra offers a spiritual, nature-filled escape.

From Kolkata’s artistic devotion to Mysore’s royal grandeur and Kullu’s Himalayan traditions, Navratri in India is a festival of faith in its most diverse forms. In 2025, whichever destination you choose, remember—Navratri is more than rituals; it is a journey of the soul, celebrated in every heart that bows before Maa Durga.