Top 7 Places in India for Navratri Celebrations in 2024

During the nine-night festival of Navratri, the Mother Goddess Durga is worshipped in all nine of her renowned forms. Hindu legend states that in order to vanquish the monster Mahishasura, Goddess Parvati took on the appearance of Durga. Dussehra, a celebration of good over evil, falls on the tenth day of the festival. That makes the Navratri Celebration one of India’s most auspicious holidays. However, the way it is observed varies greatly throughout India.

Navratri Celebrations: 7 Indian States You Can’t Miss!

People all around the nation are inspired by the Navratri Festival, which lasts nine days and is full of joy and excitement, as each state gets ready to celebrate the day in its own unique way. Visitors from all over the world come to India to celebrate Navratri, and you won’t want to miss the celebrations in 2024.

Let’s explore different ways to celebrate Navratri and uncover its significance.

1. West Bengal, Assam, Bihar and Odisha

In the eastern region of India, Navratri is observed as “Durga Pooja,” with special emphasis on the final four days of the festival: Saptami, Ashthami, Navami, and Dashami. Temples display magnificently crafted and decorated life-size clay sculptures of the Goddess Durga, depicting her battling the monstrous Mahishasura. After four days of worship, these idols are submerged in the river. During these five days of puja, one can unwind, spend time with loved ones, and visit many Durga puja pandals, each featuring a unique concept and spirit, in addition to the stunning life-sized idol of the goddess Durga. While some pandals are more understated and elegant, others have sophisticated lighting and music systems. One of the most popular aspects of the puja is the background dhol, which often induces a trance in many participants.

2. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu celebrates Navratri in a unique style by paying homage to the goddesses Durga, Laxmi, and Saraswati. There are three days allotted to the deities. People visit relatives’ homes throughout these nine days to worship the life-sized dolls and exchange presents. Married ladies are typically given gifts in the form of bangles, bindis, and various jewellery pieces, which are believed to represent the Goddess Durga. The most fascinating event is called Kolu, and it entails decorating handcrafted stairs with dolls that are said to have been passed down through the generations.

3. Maharashtra

Maharashtra celebrates Navratri as a very private and spiritual occasion; what sets it apart from other celebrations is the performance of a particular ritual called Ghatasthapana on the first day of the festival. A small bed of mud is made in a container. In the centre of this is a clay pot filled with water. This vase is a representation of Goddess Durga. In the dirt around the pot, grains are sown and left to grow. Add five stalks of jowar to the saucepan as well. For nine days, women donate fruits, flowers, leaves, and other objects to this pot while performing a variety of rites. Some people honour the Goddess with a Kali Pooja as well. Travellers arrive in Maharashtra and Gujarat  from all over the world.

4. Karnataka

Navratri is known as “Naada Habba” in Karnataka and is celebrated exactly as it was in 1610. On the final day of Vijayadashami, Goddess Shakti battled and vanquished the monstrous Mahishasura, symbolising the victory of good over evil. Ironically, Mahishasura inspired the name of the state of Mysore. There are fairs and exhibitions held all around the state, and elephants are paraded through the streets of Dashami. Like in other states, people visit temples to worship and exchange presents. If you want to see one of the greatest festivals in the state, this one should be on your bucket list. 

5. Gujarat

In Gujarat, people look forward to Navratri, a day when they fast for nine days and dedicate themselves to worshipping Maa Shakti. The days and nights are crowned with the renowned Garba folk dance, prayer offerings to Goddess Durga, and an aarti around the statue of Goddess Shakti. Sophisticated tourists are drawn to Durga’s exquisitely decked temples, mouthwatering festive cuisine, thrilling dandiya nights, and garba dances. Some of the best destinations to visit during the festival are Patan, Gandhinagar, Surat, Baroda, Ahmedabad, and many more locations. So the next time you come during Navratri, get ready to be a part of something otherworldly. 

6. Rajasthan

All attention turns to this, as thousands of people swarm to the expansive area to celebrate. Along with Kumbhakarana and Meghnad, a 72-foot-tall effigy of Ravana is burned to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It’s among the tallest effigies in India. There’s a 20-day fair after that. There’s a heady phase that begins with the mela. The city then comes to life, with individuals clad in gorgeous traditional attire, kids tumbling about the floor, adults sacrificing their prayers to Goddess Durga, and an unbreakable energy engulfing the whole area. In addition, a lot of followers honour Sheetla Mataji on this day by holding fairs in tiny towns. 

7. Kerala

Kerala observes the festival of Navratri quite differently from the other states. On the last day of the festival, they return the books that they had left in front of the statues after worshipping Goddess Saraswati for a few days. The last day is said to be more important since a pooja is done and musical instruments and animals are also revered. The Mullakkal Bhagavathy temple in Alleppey witnesses the magnificent Navratri event each year. In the Hindu ceremony known as Kumari Pooja, young girls are fervently regarded as gods. Dancers renowned for their extraordinary performances move over the vibrant design while the picture is progressively taken off the floor. Another highlight of Navratri at this temple is the “Bommai Golu Festival,” during which elderly women define their “Bommas” on “Oottupura” and read aloud from the ancient Sanatana book Devi Bhagavatham. Passing travellers who catch a peek of Kerala’s traditional culture and traditions will be deeply moved by the celebration, which is entwined with them.