Navratri & Dussehra 2027: Nine Nights of the Goddess

Garba and Dandiya Raas (Gujarat)

Navratri's most spectacular celebration is in Gujarat, where millions gather nightly for Garba — a circular folk dance around an image of the goddess — and Dandiya Raas, a paired stick dance. Navratri in Gujarat draws participants from around the world. Garba has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Durga Puja (West Bengal)

In West Bengal and among Bengali communities worldwide, Navratri is observed as Durga Puja — the grandest Hindu festival of the year. Elaborate clay idols of Goddess Durga slaying the buffalo demon are installed in community pandals. The festival ends on Vijayadashami when idols are immersed in rivers.

Ram Leela and Dussehra

Across North India, theatrical re-enactments of the Ramayana (Ram Leela) build through nine nights to the climax on Dussehra, when giant effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakarna — stuffed with firecrackers — are set alight, symbolising the destruction of evil. Mysuru's royal Dussehra procession is one of India's most spectacular public events.

The Nine Forms of Durga (Navadurga)

Each night is dedicated to one of Durga's nine manifestations: Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. The 8th (Ashtami) and 9th (Navami) nights are most auspicious — Kanjak puja, where young girls representing the goddess are fed a ritual meal, is observed across North India.

What is the difference between Navratri and Dussehra?

Navratri (nine nights) and Dussehra (the 10th day) are distinct but consecutive. Navratri is the nine-night worship period dedicated to Goddess Durga in her nine forms — celebrated through fasting, puja, Garba dancing (in Gujarat), and Durga Puja pandals (in Bengal). Dussehra (Vijayadashami — 'victory on the 10th') is the single day that follows, celebrating two simultaneous victories: Rama's defeat of the demon king Ravana in the North, and Durga's victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura in the East. In Bengal, Vijayadashami is the day of Durga idol immersion. In North India, it is the day of Ravana effigy burning.

How many types of Navratri are there in the Hindu calendar?

There are four Navratri celebrations in the Hindu calendar each year, though only two are widely observed. Sharad Navratri (autumn, September–October) is the major Navratri — the nine nights before Dussehra — and is the one celebrated with Garba, Durga Puja, and Ram Leela. Chaitra Navratri (spring, March–April) ends with Ram Navami and is observed primarily in North India with fasting and temple worship. The other two — Ashada Navratri (summer) and Paush/Magha Navratri (winter) — are called Gupt Navratri (secret Navratri) and observed mainly by Shakti devotees and tantric practitioners. Most references to 'Navratri' without qualification mean Sharad Navratri.