OT Staff & Waquar Habib
Ahmedabad transforms into a festive wonderland during Navratri. Nine nights of Garba, Dandiya dance, illuminated streets, cultural shows, and street food stalls create an authentic, family-friendly celebration.
Kolkata’s Navratri overlaps with Durga Puja, where intricately designed pandals, visual artistry and community rituals make pandal-hopping with children feel like walking through open-air exhibits.
Mysuru’s Dasara amplifies Navratri’s festive spirit: elephants bedecked in splendour, illuminated palace, cultural performances, processions and heritage-rich rituals that enchant both young and old.
Family trips to Varanasi during Navratri offer temple visits, Ramlila by the river, quiet aarti ceremonies, and moments of reflection amid sacred ghats.
Mumbai combines tradition with a modern twist: vibrant pandals, community puja, Garba gatherings in suburbs, child-friendly events and street snacks throughout Navratri.
In Delhi, Navratri includes Ramlila plays, dandiya nights, booming bazaars, music workshops, markets selling festive wear—family-friendly variety across neighbourhoods.
Kullu’s Navratri cum Dussehra features processions of deities, mountain vistas, cultural performances in Himachal style—ideal for families seeking nature plus festival.
Tamil Nadu’s festival traditions include Golu doll arrangements in homes and temples, storytelling, devotional song circles—offers gentle, culturally rich experiences for children.
In Hyderabad during Navratri, Bathukamma celebrations—women creating stacked seasonal floral arrangements, singing folk songs, community bonding—combine nature, tradition and colourful festivity.