September – October
Navratri & Durga Puja
Nine nights of the Goddess
The Transcendence of Feminine Divine Energy
Navratri (“Nine Nights”) honors Shakti—the supreme primordial feminine energy that creates, sustains, and transforms the cosmos. The festival honors the fierce battle between Goddess Durga and the buffalo-demon Mahishasura, who could not be defeated by any god or mortal man. Through nine sacred nights, each dedicated to a distinct manifestation of the Goddess (Navadurga), devotees fast, pray, and rejoice.
In Gujarat and Western India, millions dance in swirling circular choreographies around illuminated shrines until the break of dawn. In Bengal, Durga Puja transforms entire cities into interactive open-air art installations with jaw-dropping sculptural craftsmanship. In the royal city of Mysuru, royal pageantries recall ancient Vijayanagara heritage, while in the Himalayan valley of Kullu, mountain devtas congregate in divine assembly. Navratri is a vibrant celebration of female power, moral courage, and artistic grandeur.
How it is celebrated across India
Explore the distinct customs and mythological roots across 4 diverse regions:
Garba & Dandiya
Enchanting nightlong circular folk dances performed around an earthen lamp (Garba Deep) symbolizing the divine womb and feminine universe. Dancers twirl in mirror-work attire, clacking rhythmically to dhol beats.
Durga Pandal & Dhunuchi
The monumental homecoming of Ma Durga with colossal artistic pandals, rolling beats of the sacred Dhaak drums, the hypnotic Dhunuchi dance with smoking coconut husks, and joyful Sindoor Khela sisterhood rituals.
Mysuru Dasara
A 400-year-old royal celebration honoring Goddess Chamundeshwari's victory over Mahishasura. The grand Mysore Palace is illuminated by nearly 100,000 light bulbs as an elephant carries the golden howdah in a majestic procession.
Kullu Dussehra
Beginning on Vijayadashami day when celebrations elsewhere end, over 200 local mountain village deities (devtas) gather in ornate wooden palanquins in the Dhalpur grounds to pay homage to Lord Raghunath.
Festival Painted Wallpaper
Mahishasuramardini Divine Shakti
Download this bespoke fine art wallpaper celebrating Navratri & Durga Puja. Rendered in exquisite Indian fine-art aesthetics, ready for your desktop, tablet, or 4K display.