Twice a year, India devotes nine nights to the Divine Feminine — but it is the autumn Sharad Navratri that reaches the greatest intensity.
Two Celebrations, One Goddess
In Gujarat and Rajasthan, Navratri is a nine-night dance festival with garba and dandiya raas. Live orchestras play music that accelerates through the night.
In West Bengal, the last four days overlap with Durga Puja. Kolkata's neighborhoods erect enormous themed pandals with clay idols of Durga — past themes have included replicas of the Vatican and climate-change installations.
The Nine Forms of Durga
Each night is dedicated to a different form: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri.
Vijayadashami: The Tenth Day
Navratri culminates on Dussehra — towering effigies of Ravana are set ablaze. In Mysore, a torchlit procession of decorated elephants winds through the city. In Bengal, Sindur Khela precedes the immersion.
Practical Tips
Navratri 2026 begins October 11, Dussehra October 20. Head to Ahmedabad for garba or Kolkata for pandal-hopping.
