Navratri 2024: How Indian States Celebrate the Festival

Navratri is one of the most important festivals for Hindus, especially the Shardiya Navratri, where devotees honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga. This year, the festival kicks off on October 3rd and wraps up on October 12th. While the core of Navratri remains the same everywhere—worship and devotion to the goddess—the way people celebrate can vary a lot depending on where you are in India. Let’s take a look at how some states make this festival their own.

Gujarat: Dance, Color, and Devotion

In Gujarat, Navratri is all about energy, color, and dancing the night away. The Garba and Dandiya Raas are the main attractions, where people gather in large groups to dance in honor of the goddess. The music is upbeat, the clothes are bright, and the atmosphere is electric as people dance late into the night.

But before all that dancing starts, there’s the aarti—an important ritual where devotees light lamps and offer prayers to the goddess. It’s a moment of devotion before the night’s festivities kick off.

West Bengal: Durga Puja Magic

In West Bengal, Navratri is inseparable from Durga Puja, which is a grand celebration in its own right. The festival lasts for five days, with the final day, Vijayadashami, being especially significant. During this time, you'll find beautifully crafted idols of Goddess Durga placed in elaborately designed pandals (temporary structures). These pandals become the heart of the festivities, hosting cultural performances like traditional dances, music, and theatre.

One of the most touching rituals here is "Sindoor Khela," where married women playfully smear vermillion on each other before the goddess’s idol is taken for immersion in water, marking the end of the festival.

Maharashtra: Dolls, Bhajans, and Bhondla Dances

In Maharashtra, Navratri has a slightly different feel. People sing bhajans and perform a traditional folk dance known as "Bhondla." There's also the unique "Golu" tradition, where dolls and figurines depicting gods, goddesses, and mythological stories are displayed in people's homes.

On the ninth day of Navratri, many people observe the Ayudha Puja, where they worship their tools, books, and even vehicles—anything that helps them in their daily lives. It’s a day of showing gratitude for the things that make life easier.

Karnataka: The Splendor of Mysuru Dasara

Navratri in Karnataka, especially in Mysuru, is celebrated as "Dasara." The ninth day is marked by a grand royal procession, with elephants, musicians, and dancers parading through the streets on Vijayadashami. The Mysuru Palace is lit up beautifully, adding to the grandeur of the celebrations.