Navratri 2025 Travel Guide: Where to Celebrate, What to Pack, and How to Make the Most of India’s Biggest Festival

Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant and celebrated festivals, bringing nine nights of music, dance, devotion, and cultural richness. In 2025, Navratri begins on Wednesday, September 22 and continues until Thursday, October 2, followed by Dussehra on October 3. This is the perfect time to explore India, as cities come alive with colorful lights, grand processions, and traditional performances.

Whether you are a spiritual traveler, a culture enthusiast, or someone who simply loves festivals, Navratri offers something for everyone. Here’s a complete guide on where to celebrate, what to pack, and how to make the most of your journey.

Top Places to Experience Navratri in 2025

Ahmedabad & Vadodara, Gujarat

If there’s one place where Navratri is celebrated at its grandest, it’s Gujarat. The entire state turns into a massive dance floor with Garba and Dandiya nights. Vadodara’s United Way Garba is considered one of the largest gatherings, attracting thousands every evening. In Ahmedabad, the traditional dances, folk music, and colorful attire make it unforgettable.

Must-Do: Join a Garba night, sample Gujarati thali, and shop for chaniya cholis and kediyas.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mumbai blends tradition with glamour. Housing societies, clubs, and cultural associations organize Dandiya and Garba nights that feature both traditional beats and Bollywood remixes. The city’s energy during Navratri is unmatched.

Must-Do: Visit famous pandals, join a dandiya night at Goregaon or Malad, and don’t miss festive street food.

Kolkata, West Bengal

In Kolkata, Navratri overlaps with Durga Puja, the biggest festival in Bengal. The city turns into an open-air art gallery, with stunningly decorated pandals, cultural performances, and late-night street gatherings.

Must-Do: Hop across pandals, taste Bengali sweets like sandesh and mishti doi, and watch cultural shows at night.

Delhi & Noida, NCR

The capital region hosts Ramlila performances, grand Dussehra fairs, and lively Garba nights. The mix of North Indian traditions with Gujarati-style celebrations creates a unique experience.

Must-Do: Attend the Ramlila at Red Fort Maidan, visit Dussehra melas, and shop at festive fairs.

Mysuru, Karnataka

Mysuru celebrates Navratri as Dasara, with royal processions, decorated elephants, and cultural programs at the Mysore Palace. It’s a majestic blend of tradition and grandeur.

Must-Do: Watch the grand Dasara procession, explore Mysore Palace, and attend folk performances.

Patna, Bihar

Patna may not be the first city that comes to mind for Navratri celebrations, but the capital of Bihar has a vibrant spirit during these nine nights. The city is dotted with Durga Puja pandals, beautifully decorated with artistic themes that attract thousands of visitors. Cultural programs, devotional music, and traditional dance performances light up every corner of the city.

One of the highlights is the Durga Puja in Dak Bungalow Road, Boring Road, and Gandhi Maidan area, where large pandals and community gatherings take place. The evenings are filled with devotional songs, street food stalls, and festive crowds.

What to Pack for Navratri Travel

• Traditional Attire: Carry colorful outfits like chaniya cholis, sarees, kurtas, and kediyas to blend in during Garba nights.

• Comfortable Footwear: Since Garba and Dandiya involve hours of dancing, comfortable shoes or sandals are essential.

• Light Jacket/Shawl: Late September evenings can get slightly cool in some regions.

• Accessories: Traditional jewelry, dupattas, and bangles to complete the festive look.

• Essentials: Power bank, water bottle, light snacks, and a small first-aid kit.

Tips to Make the Most of Navratri 2025

1. Plan Early: Flights and hotels get booked quickly around Navratri, especially in Gujarat and Kolkata. Reserve well in advance.

2. Respect Local Traditions: Navratri is both cultural and spiritual. Dress modestly and respect local customs.

3. Stay Hydrated: Dancing and long pandal-hopping nights can be exhausting, so keep water handy.

4. Try Local Food: Every region has its own festive delicacies — from Gujarat’s fafda-jalebi to Bengal’s bhog prasad.

5. Capture Memories: Festivals are about colors, lights, and emotions. Keep your camera ready but remember to live in the moment too.

Why Navratri is a Must-Experience Festival in 2025

Navratri is more than just a festival — it’s a celebration of life, devotion, and cultural unity. Each region adds its own flavor, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers. From the rhythmic beats of Garba in Gujarat to the grandeur of Durga Puja in Kolkata and the royal charm of Mysuru Dasara, Navratri offers an unforgettable journey through India’s diverse traditions.

So pack your bags, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience India at its most colorful and festive this Navratri 2025.