Navratri 2025: Celebrations Across Indian States & Maa Durga’s Different Roops

_Shokesh _
6 days ago
3 min read

🌸 Navratri Culture, Celebrations, and Maa Durga’s Roops in Different States of India

Navratri, one of India’s most vibrant and sacred festivals, is celebrated with devotion, dance, music, and rituals for nine nights. Across India, the essence of Navratri remains the same—worshipping Maa Durga and her nine avatars (Nava Durga)—yet every state has its own unique cultural touch.

From West Bengal’s grand Durga Puja to Gujarat’s colorful Garba, Tamil Nadu’s Golu festival to Kerala’s Vidyarambham, each region worships different forms of Maa Durga while showcasing its cultural heritage. Let’s explore the diverse traditions of Navratri in India and the roops (avatars) of Maa Durga worshipped in different states.

🌺 West Bengal – Durga Puja (Maa Mahishasura Mardini)

In West Bengal, Navratri transforms into the majestic Durga Puja.

Form Worshipped: Maa Durga as Mahishasura Mardini – the slayer of demon Mahishasura.
Celebrations: Beautifully decorated pandals, Shandhi Puja, Dhunuchi Naach, Sindoor Khela, and immersion of Maa’s idol in rivers on Vijayadashami.
Specialty: Cultural programs, bhog of khichuri, luchi, and mishti.

💃 Gujarat – Garba & Dandiya Raas (Maa Amba)

In Gujarat, Navratri is incomplete without Garba and Dandiya.

Form Worshipped: Maa Amba (Ambaji), worshipped in the form of Garbo (earthen pot with divine light).
Celebrations: Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) is lit, and nights are filled with dance, music, and devotion.
Specialty: Colorful Chaniya-Choli and Kediyu outfits with traditional folk music.

🌞 Maharashtra – Ghatasthapana & Aarti (Maa Jyotirupini)

Form Worshipped: Maa Durga as Jyotirupini – symbol of light and power.
Celebrations: Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana), daily aartis, devotional abhangas, and Vijayadashami’s tradition of exchanging Aapta leaves as “gold.”
Specialty: Fasting with Sabudana Khichdi, bhajans, and vibrant community gatherings.

🌸 Uttar Pradesh & Bihar – Ram Leela & Kanya Pujan (Nava Durga)

Form Worshipped: Each day is dedicated to one of the Nava Durga.
Celebrations: Ram Leela performances, effigies of Ravana burnt on Dussehra, and Kanya Pujan on Ashtami/Navami.
Specialty: Jagrans, fairs, and Durga Saptashati recitation.

🏔️ Himachal Pradesh – Kullu Dussehra (Local Devis & Maa Hidimba)

Form Worshipped: Local kuldevis and Maa Durga in Shakti roop.
Celebrations: Processions of village deities, cultural fairs, and week-long Dussehra after Vijayadashami.
Specialty: Folk music, pahadi food, and traditional rituals.

🎎 Tamil Nadu – Golu Festival (Durga, Lakshmi & Saraswati)

Form Worshipped: The Tri-Devi – Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Celebrations: Dolls (Golu) displayed on 9 steps, Haldi-Kumkum ceremonies, and devotional music.
Specialty: Sundal (prasadam), Carnatic music, and Bharatanatyam performances.

🐘 Karnataka – Mysuru Dasara (Chamundeshwari Devi)

Form Worshipped: Maa Chamundeshwari (Durga as the slayer of Mahishasura).
Celebrations: Grand procession with decorated elephants, lights on Mysuru Palace, and cultural events.
Specialty: Wrestling competitions, folk dances, and Dasara exhibitions.

📚 Kerala – Vidyarambham (Maa Saraswati)

Form Worshipped: Maa Saraswati, goddess of wisdom and learning.
Celebrations: Books are worshipped for 3 days, and on Vijayadashami, children write their first letters on rice (Vidyarambham).
Specialty: Classical music, temple rituals, and education initiation ceremonies.

🌼 Andhra Pradesh & Telangana – Bathukamma Festival (Maha Gauri)

Form Worshipped: Maa Maha Gauri, symbol of fertility and prosperity.
Celebrations: Women create floral arrangements called Bathukamma, sing folk songs, and immerse them in water.
Specialty: Colorful sarees, pearl ornaments, and festive delicacies.

🦁 Punjab – Jagran & Kanjak Pujan (Sherawali Mata)

Form Worshipped: Maa Durga as Sherawali Mata, riding the lion.
Celebrations: All-night Jagrans, bhajans, Durga Saptashati recitations, and Kanjak Pujan.
Specialty: Halwa-Puri-Chana offered to girls, Punjabi folk bhajans, and high-energy devotion.

🌺 Conclusion

Navratri is not just a festival; it is a cultural journey across India. Every state worships Maa Durga in a unique form—

Mahishasura Mardini in Bengal,
Maa Amba in Gujarat,
Chamundeshwari in Karnataka,
Maa Saraswati in Kerala,
Maha Gauri in Telangana,
yet the message is the same: the victory of good over evil and the eternal power of Shakti.

At SHOKESH Enterprises, we honor these traditions by offering Pujan essentials, wedding items, and festive products that bring the divine blessings of

Maa Durga into every home.

Discover how Navratri is celebrated in different states of India – from Bengal’s Durga Puja to Gujarat’s Garba, Tamil Nadu’s Golu to Kerala’s Vidyarambham. Learn about Maa Durga’s roops and rituals.