Navratri 2024: Top 10 Indian cities to experience Navratri in its traditional glory

Ahmedabad and Navaratri are synonymous. The city hosts some of the most spectacular Garba and Dandiya Raas nights, which attract locals and tourists alike. People dressed in colourful traditional attire gather in thousands to dance in concentric circles to the rhythm of traditional music. Venues like the GMDC ground and Karnavati Club offer the ultimate Garba experience, where the celebration goes on until the early hours of the morning. The festival here is more than just a religious event it's a cultural celebration that embraces everyone.

Known as the "Cultural Capital of Gujarat," Vadodara offers one of the most authentic Navratri experiences. The city's commitment to preserving Garba's cultural essence makes it a must-visit during the festival. The United Way Garba in Vadodara is one of the world's largest Garba gatherings, attracting enthusiasts who come to showcase their dance skills while paying homage to the goddess Durga. The city is also known for its elaborate decorations, making the whole experience visually stunning.
 

Kolkata transforms into a city of grand Durga Puja pandals during Navratri, showcasing intricate artistry and religious devotion. The city celebrates Durga Puja with a unique intensity and passion. From the Kumartuli district, where artisans create awe-inspiring idols of Durga, to the grand processions on Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Kolkata’s Navratri is an experience steeped in tradition. The city’s streets come alive with music, lights, and cultural performances as people hop from one stunning pandal to another.
 

Tamil Nadu celebrates Navratri with the tradition of Golu, a unique display of dolls depicting gods, goddesses, and scenes from Hindu mythology. Families set up Golu in their homes, and people visit each other to admire the displays and offer prayers. Temples across Chennai also host special rituals and processions. Navratri in Chennai is a more spiritual and intimate celebration, emphasising devotion, cultural exchange, and traditional arts.
 

Surat, another city in Gujarat, celebrates Navaratri with as much fervour as its neighbors. The city's diamond merchants, industrialists, and residents come together for nights of Garba and Dandiya Raas. Unlike the larger cities, Surat's Garba nights are more intimate, providing a sense of community while retaining the traditional essence of the festival. Several clubs and local grounds become the hub of celebrations, where people, young and old, participate enthusiastically.
 

Navratri in Mumbai is a blend of religious devotion and Bollywood glamour. While Garba and Dandiya are popular here, what sets Mumbai apart is the presence of celebrities at several Navratri events. The suburbs of Borivali and Vile Parle are known for hosting traditional Garba nights, while other areas such as Malad and Goregaon mix traditional dance with more contemporary music. Additionally, the Durga Puja pandals in areas like Lokhandwala and Powai are must-visits for their elaborate decorations.
 

Mysuru’s Navratri celebrations, also known as Dasara, are royal in nature and have a legacy of over 400 years. Thousands of lights illuminate the iconic Mysore Palace during the festival, creating a mesmerising spectacle. The grand processions, which include the famous elephant parade on Vijayadashami, are a sight to behold. Mysuru’s Dasara is a blend of devotion, tradition, and grandeur, attracting tourists from across the globe.
 

Navratri in Delhi is a multifaceted celebration. Delhi hosts grand and culturally rich Durga Puja pandals, particularly in areas like CR Park, Garba, and Dandiya Raas, and hosts nights in various venues throughout the city. Additionally, Delhi is known for its Ramlila performances, which narrate the life of Lord Rama, culminating in the burning of effigies of Ravana on Dussehra. Navratri's blend of Bengali and North Indian traditions makes Delhi a culturally diverse destination during the festival.
 

Navratri in Varanasi, India's spiritual capital, is a deeply religious affair. Throughout the festival, the Ganges ghats and the city's numerous temples host special prayers, aartis, and processions. Varanasi's Navratri celebrations emphasize devotion and simplicity, with the Ramlila performances that depict the victory of good over evil marking the festival's culmination. Watching the effigies of Ravana burn along the banks of the sacred Ganges is a powerful and symbolic moment.

Bengaluru offers a perfect blend of traditional and modern Navratri celebrations. While the city’s cosmopolitan crowd enjoys the festive Dandiya Raas nights at various clubs, the more traditional neighbourhoods and temples conduct religious rituals with great devotion. Venues like the White Orchid Convention Centre and Jayamahal Palace host large-scale Garba nights. The city's vibrant cultural scene also includes classical music concerts, dance performances, and spiritual discourses during Navratri.