Amira Vanarsdale

In my home, we prepare Singhara atta pancakes and rajgira laddoos. Both are tasty and suitable for vrat. I also like roasted peanuts with lemon and rock salt as a quick snack. They give protein and energy without breaking the fasting rules.

In the Markandeya Purana, it is mentioned that fasting with devotion during Navratri brings blessings equal to years of meditation. It is believed to remove sins and grant inner strength. People who fast with honesty and faith are said to achieve success and peace in life.

Navratri is the biggest cultural festival in Gujarat. Tourists from across the world come to experience Garba nights in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Rajkot. Rajasthan also organizes special cultural programs, fairs, and temple celebrations during Navratri. In 2025, state tourism departments are expecting high footfall as both domestic and international travelers are attracted by the folk dances, handicraft bazaars, and temple fairs.

On Spotify and YouTube, you will find Navratri Garba Mix playlists with famous singers like Falguni Pathak. Also, devotional songs like Ambe Maa Ni Aarti and Jai Adhyashakti are must-play during Garba nights.

I visited Nepal during Dashain once. The whole country was decorated with jamara (barley shoots), tika, and red clothes. Families exchange blessings from elders. It felt like Diwali and Navratri mixed together. People take holidays and travel back to their hometowns, so it’s more about family reunion.

In Nepal, Navratri is called Dashain. People worship Goddess Durga and celebrate with family gatherings, animal sacrifices in some regions, and flying kites. In Bangladesh, it is mainly Durga Puja, with huge pandals, cultural programs, and processions. In Bhutan, monasteries perform masked dances, connecting the festival to Buddhist traditions.

If you love Garba dresses and jewelry, Law Garden Market in Ahmedabad is the best. For Durga Puja, Gariahat Market in Kolkata becomes very lively with sarees, idols, and puja items. In Delhi, Karol Bagh and Chandni Chowk are also popular. Each city has its own charm during Navratri.

I think devotional TV shows like Shree Krishna and Ramayan also bring the right spiritual mood for Navratri. Watching these epics with family adds more devotion and connects children to culture. On OTT platforms, you may find documentaries about Maa Durga temples and Durga Puja rituals, which are good for learning and devotion.

The most auspicious time for Ghatasthapana in Navratri 2025 is during Pratipada Tithi, after sunrise and before noon. Doing it during Amavasya or after sunset should be avoided. You can check the local Panchang for exact timing in your city, but generally, the first day morning hours are considered highly auspicious for Kalash Sthapana and Durga Pujan.

Some of the most important temples to visit are:- Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir - Kamakhya Temple, Assam - Dakshineswar Kali Temple, West Bengal - Ambaji Temple, Gujarat - Chamunda Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh - Mahalaxmi Temple, MaharashtraVisiting these temples during Navratri is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and fulfillment of wishes.

I always offer hibiscus flowers during Navratri. Scriptures mention that Maa Durga loves red hibiscus the most. If hibiscus is not available, marigold and lotus are also good choices. One should avoid thorny flowers because they are not considered suitable for Devi worship.

I attended Navratri in Toronto last year, and it was amazing! Thousands of people gathered for Garba with traditional dresses. In the US, especially in New Jersey, Chicago, and California, Navratri is celebrated on a very large scale. It has also become a way to introduce non-Indians to Indian culture. People enjoy both the religious aspect and the joyful dance nights.

To fast all nine days without health problems, you should prepare in advance. Reduce heavy foods a few days before Navratri. During fasting:- Add rock salt (sendha namak) instead of normal salt. - Use ghee instead of refined oil. - Drink herbal teas or warm water to improve digestion. - Don’t overeat in the evening. Traditional rules are important, but maintaining health is also essential to complete nine days with devotion and energy.

I prefer traditional bhajans during Navratri. In 2025, my playlist will include Maa ke bhajan by Anuradha Paudwal and Jagjit Singh. Their songs like “Hey Maa Durga” give spiritual peace. In Garba events, people love to dance on fast-paced devotional songs mixed with folk beats. Whether slow bhajans or energetic Garba songs, the purpose is the same – to keep the mind connected with Maa Durga during the festival.