Navaratri: One Festival, Many Traditions Across India
India is a land of diversity where every festival carries unique colors, sounds, and meanings. Among them, Navaratri stands out as one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated. While the nine nights honour the Goddess Shakti, the way people celebrate varies dramatically from state to state — blending faith, culture, art, dance, music, food, and dress into one beautiful mosaic of traditions.
Karnataka – The Royal Dasara of Mysuru
In Karnataka, Navaratri is celebrated as Dasara, famously known as the “Naadahabba” (state festival).
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The highlight is the Mysuru Dasara, with the royal Jumbo Savari procession, where Goddess Chamundeshwari’s idol is carried on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant.
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Ayudha Puja is performed, where tools, vehicles, and instruments are worshipped.
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Homes also set up Gombe Habba (doll displays), representing mythological and cultural stories.
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Dress culture: People wear traditional silk sarees like Mysore Silk, men wear Panche with Angavastram, adding a royal touch.
Gujarat – Dance, Music, and Devotion
Navaratri in Gujarat is synonymous with Garba and Dandiya Raas.
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Devotees gather in colourful attire to dance around the Garbo (sacred pot symbolizing the womb of creation).
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Nights are filled with rhythmic music, devotional songs, and community gatherings.
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Dress culture: Women wear Chaniya Choli with mirror work and vibrant dupattas, while men wear Kediyu with turbans — outfits that shine under festive lights.
West Bengal – Durga Puja Grandeur
In West Bengal, Navaratri is celebrated as Durga Puja, one of India’s largest cultural festivals.
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Cities come alive with artistic pandals showcasing stunning idols of Goddess Durga.
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Rituals, cultural performances, and community feasts make the festival unforgettable.
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On Vijayadashami, idols are immersed in rivers amidst chants and music.
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Dress culture: Women traditionally wear red-bordered white sarees (Lal Paar Saree), while men wear Dhoti Kurta. Festive jewellery and sindoor play a major role.
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – Golu & Knowledge Traditions
In Southern states, Navaratri is marked by Bommai Golu / Bommala Koluvu, a display of dolls arranged in steps.
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Each day, families invite neighbours to view the dolls and exchange sweets.
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The last three days are dedicated to Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), Lakshmi (prosperity), and Durga (strength).
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On Vijayadashami, children are initiated into learning through Vidyarambham.
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Dress culture: Women wear Kanchipuram Silk Sarees or Half Sarees, men wear Veshti and Angavastram. Girls often dress in Pattu Pavadai (silk skirts).
Kerala – Worship of Knowledge and Arts
In Kerala, Navaratri culminates in Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham.
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Books, musical instruments, and tools are placed in front of the goddess and worshipped.
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On Vijayadashami, children are introduced to writing and reading.
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Dress culture: The traditional Kasavu Saree (cream with gold border) is worn by women, while men wear Mundu. Simplicity with elegance defines the Kerala celebration.
Maharashtra – Ghatasthapana & Simollanghan
In Maharashtra, Navaratri begins with Ghatasthapana, where a sacred pot with sprouting grains is installed.
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The ninth day sees Ayudha Puja, while Vijayadashami includes Simollanghan, a ritual crossing of village boundaries.
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People exchange Apta leaves, symbolizing gold and prosperity.
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Dress culture: Women wear Nauvari Sarees (nine-yard saree) with traditional jewellery, while men wear Kurta Dhoti with Pheta (turban).
Northern India – Ram Leela and Dussehra
In North India, Navaratri coincides with Ramlila performances depicting the Ramayana.
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On Vijayadashami, towering effigies of Ravana, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are burnt, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
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Fasting, temple visits, and devotional songs mark the days.
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Dress culture: Women wear Lehenga Choli or Sarees, while men wear Kurta Pajama. In festive events, costumes of Ramayana characters bring mythological stories to life.
Assam, Odisha & East India – Devotion Through Art and Community
In states like Assam and Odisha, Navaratri blends local traditions with Durga Puja.
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Assam features Namghar prayers and community singing, while Odisha creates unique Chandi Medha pandals with intricate silver filigree work.
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Dress culture: Assamese women wear Mekhela Chador, while Odia women wear Sambalpuri Sarees, reflecting their textile heritage.
The Diversity of Dress and Culture
Navaratri is more than worship — it’s also a fashion statement of tradition:
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From Bengal’s white-red sarees to Gujarat’s colourful mirror-work outfits.
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From Mysuru silk to Kanchipuram silk, from Kerala Kasavu to Maharashtra Nauvari.
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Men’s attire shifts from turbans and dhotis to modern fusion wear, yet the cultural essence remains intact.
Conclusion – One Festival, Many Stories
Navaratri is proof of India’s unity in diversity. Though celebrated differently in every corner — through processions, dances, doll displays, pandals, knowledge rituals, or effigy burning — the spirit remains the same: victory of good over evil and celebration of the divine feminine.
At Namma Choice, we celebrate this diversity by bringing cultural crafts, textiles, jewellery, and traditions to one marketplace — reminding everyone that every state has its own story, and every product carries its heritage.
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