How to Celebrate Navratri in Different States of India – A Complete Guide

Navratri is a 9-day spiritual journey that fills homes with devotion, colors, dance and joy. Every corner of India celebrates Navratri in a unique way – some with Garba and Dandiya nights, some with Durga Puja pandals, some with Golu dolls and in some regions fasting and bhajans. If you ever wondered how to celebrate Navratri in different states of India, this complete guide will walk you through the cultural essence, puja rituals, interesting facts and even the gifting traditions that make this festival so special.

What is Navratri?

Navratri literally means "Nine Nights". It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine powerful forms (Nav Durga). People pray, fast, dance, sing and celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated twice a year Chaitra Navratri (spring) and Sharad Navratri (autumn), the latter being more popular. The nine days are full of rituals, devotion and joy, ending with Dussehra or Vijayadashami, symbolizing the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana.

Navratri Celebrations in Different States of India

Every state has its own way of celebrating Navratri. Let’s take a tour across India:

1. Gujarat – The Land of Garba & Dandiya

When you say Navratri, Gujarat comes first in mind. Here, every night people gather in large grounds, dressed in colorful traditional outfits, Chaniya Choli for women and Kediyu for men. They perform Garba and Dandiya Raas around a central lamp (symbol of Maa Durga’s energy). Temples are decorated, and homes light diyas throughout the nine days.

Puja Rituals: People keep a Garbo (clay pot with a diya inside) at home and worship Maa Amba.
Gift Ideas: Traditional dupattas, handicraft jewelry, Garba sticks, sweet hampers are popular.

2. West Bengal – Durga Puja Extravaganza

In Bengal, Navratri is incomplete without Durga Puja, which is celebrated on a grand scale. Huge pandals are decorated with idols of Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura. The five days of Puja (Shashti to Dashami) are full of cultural performances, dhunuchi dance, bhog, and sindoor khela.

Puja Rituals: Kalash sthapana, chanting of mantras, pushpanjali, and immersion of idols on Dashami.
Gift Ideas: Bengali sweets, sarees, idols of Durga, and handloom products.

3. Maharashtra – Ghatasthapana & Garba Nights

In Maharashtra, Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana, where a sacred pot filled with soil and grains is placed at home, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Alongside fasting and devotion, Garba and Dandiya nights are also organized, especially in Mumbai and Pune.

Puja Rituals: Daily aarti of the ghata, reading Devi Bhagwat, and offering flowers.
Gift Ideas: Modak sweets, Paithani sarees, and decorative diyas.

4. Tamil Nadu – Golu Doll Festival

In South India, especially Tamil Nadu, Navratri is celebrated as Bommai Golu. Families decorate steps with dolls of gods, goddesses, animals, kings, and mythological scenes. Women invite each other for haldi-kumkum, sing devotional songs, and exchange gifts.

Puja Rituals: Arranging dolls on odd-numbered steps, chanting slokas, and offering prasadam every day.
Gift Ideas: Handcrafted dolls, brass lamps, traditional sarees, and kumkum boxes.

5. Karnataka – Chamundeshwari Devi Worship

In Karnataka, Navratri is celebrated as Mysuru Dasara, which is world-famous. The grand procession of Goddess Chamundeshwari on a golden throne with elephants is breathtaking. The palace is decorated with lights, and cultural programs are held.

Puja Rituals: Devotees worship Chamundeshwari Devi and visit Chamundi Hills temple.
Gift Ideas: Mysore silk sarees, sandalwood artifacts, and sweets like Mysore Pak.

6. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – Bathukamma Festival

In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Navratri is known for Bathukamma Festival. Women make beautiful flower arrangements in a cone shape and sing traditional songs around it. This festival celebrates nature and womanhood.

Puja Rituals: Worship of Goddess with flowers, turmeric, and kumkum.
Gift Ideas: Flower garlands, bangles, sweets, and household items.

7. Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Dussehra

In Himachal, Navratri ends with Kullu Dussehra, where thousands of deities from nearby villages are brought to Kullu valley in a grand procession. This celebration continues for a week after Dussehra.

Puja Rituals: Worshipping deities and taking them in Rath Yatra.
Gift Ideas: Woolen shawls, Himachali caps, and dry fruits.

8. Uttar Pradesh – Ramlila & Fasting

In UP, Navratri is a blend of devotion and drama. The famous Ramlila performances showcase the story of Ramayana in open grounds. Many people observe 9 days fasting and offer prayers to Maa Durga.

Puja Rituals: Kanya Pujan (worshipping little girls as Durga), Ramlila staging, and daily arti.
Gift Ideas: Sweets, bangles, small silver coins, and festive clothes.

Navratri Puja Rituals You Can Follow at Home

No matter where you live, some rituals are common:

• Kalash Sthapana (establishing sacred pot with soil & barley seeds)
• Lighting a diya every morning and evening
• Reciting Durga Saptashati or devotional songs
• Fasting with fruits and satvik food
• Offering flowers, kumkum, and sweets to Goddess
• Performing Kanya Pujan on Ashtami or Navami

Interesting Facts About Navratri

• Navratri colors change every year and each day is dedicated to one color.
• In Gujarat, the Garba is UNESCO recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• In Bengal, Durga Puja pandals sometimes have themes like movies, temples, or global monuments.
• In Tamil Nadu, gifting betel leaves and kumkum is considered very auspicious.

Gifting During Navratri – A Personal Touch

I always feel Navratri gifts carry blessings more than value. I remember last year, a friend gave me a small diya set from DeoDap, it wasn’t expensive, but I light it every evening and it reminds me of her wishes.

Here are some meaningful gift ideas:

• Decorative diyas & puja thalis – Always useful for rituals.
• Sweets & dry fruit hampers – A classic choice.
• Kitchen tools – Many gifts for kanya pujan
• Home decor & showpieces – To brighten festive homes.
• LED dandiya sticks & lamps – Fun gifts for friends and kids.
• Eco-friendly items – Plants, bamboo decor, sustainable gifting.

👉 Explore more thoughtful options in DeoDap’s Navratri Gift Collection

Conclusion

Navratri shows the beautiful cultural diversity of India. From the Garba of Gujarat to the Durga Puja of Bengal, from the Golu dolls in Tamil Nadu to the Bathukamma flowers in Telangana, every state adds its own magic. The puja rituals, fasting, devotion and gifting make it not just a religious festival but a celebration of life, unity and love.

So this year, celebrate Navratri with your family in your own tradition – light diyas, play Garba, worship Maa Durga, share sweets and most important spread happiness.

Happy Navratri to you and your loved ones!