Navratri 2025 Travel Guide: Where to celebrate, what to Pack, and how to make the most of India’s biggest festival

From the energetic Garba in Ahmedabad to royal festivities in Jaipur, Navratri 2025 lights up India with color, music, and devotion.

The air is electric with anticipation—Navratri 2025 kicks off on September 22, promising nine nights of music, dance, devotion, and vibrant culture. Across India, streets, temples, and community halls transform into dazzling centers of celebration. From energetic Garba and Dandiya nights in Gujarat to intricately decorated pandals in West Bengal, the festival is a sensory feast for travelers seeking to experience India at its most colorful and joyous.

Navratri, which means “nine nights,” celebrates Goddess Durga in her nine forms. Each day brings a unique color, ritual, and story, blending spirituality with festivity. The celebrations culminate on Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, which is on October 2. While the styles of celebration differ across regions, devotion and festivity remain at the heart of it all.

Here’s your curated guide to the best cities to celebrate Navratri 2025, along with travel tips to make your journey seamless:

1. Ahmedabad, Gujarat: Known as the Garba capital of the world, Ahmedabad bursts into life during Navratri. The Kankaria Lakefront alone hosts thousands of dancers nightly, creating an unforgettable spectacle. Traditional attire, pulsating folk music, and glittering lights make it a must-visit for those eager to dive into authentic Gujarati celebrations.

2. Vadodara, Gujarat: Vadodara’s royal celebrations are steeped in tradition. Kirti Mandir and Sayaji Garden become hubs for Garba, Dandiya, and cultural performances. The city blends devotional rituals with community gatherings, offering travelers a rich taste of Gujarati heritage.

3. Jaipur, Rajasthan: In Jaipur, Navratri is a royal affair. Majestic palaces and forts host folk dances, music performances, and special pujas. The City Palace and local temples glow with elaborate decorations, giving visitors a peek into Rajasthan’s regal festival traditions.

4. Delhi & NCR: The capital’s Navratri scene is lively and diverse. CR Park, Janakpuri, and Minto Road host grand pandals, energetic Garba nights, and cultural programs. Delhi is perfect for travelers looking to combine festive celebrations with sightseeing in the city.

(Image: PTI)

5. Kolkata, West Bengal: Kolkata is synonymous with Durga Puja, but Navratri too sees devotional rituals and community gatherings. Temples like Kalighat and Dakshineswar draw devotees for special pujas, offering a serene and spiritual side of the festival.

6. Mysore, Karnataka: Mysore celebrates Navratri with royal grandeur. The Mysore Palace is beautifully illuminated, and classical music and dance performances showcase South India’s rich cultural heritage. It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking a blend of devotion and traditional artistry.

7. Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Navratri in Chennai is all about Golu displays—intricate arrangements of dolls depicting mythological scenes. Temples and community halls host devotional music, dance, and storytelling, giving travelers an intimate look at Tamil Nadu’s traditional festivities.

What to Pack for Navratri Travel

Festivals are as much about comfort as style. Pack smart:

• Ethnic wear in breathable fabrics—lehengas, kurtas, dupattas.
• Comfortable footwear like juttis or sneakers.
• Accessories—jewelry, bangles, bindis.
• Essentials—power bank, water bottle, sanitizer, towel.
• Weather-appropriate items—raincoat or umbrella if needed.

• Book flights and hotels in advance.
• Stay near temples, pandals, or Garba venues.
• Check cancellation flexibility.
• Prefer local transport to avoid traffic congestion.

(Image: PTI)

From the rhythmic Garba by Ahmedabad’s lakes to Jaipur’s royal processions, Navratri 2025 is your ticket to experiencing India in its most vibrant, musical, and devotional form. Whether you’re chasing the energy of dance nights, the serenity of temple rituals, or the charm of festive streets, this Navratri promises memories that linger long after the lights fade.