Navratri — literally "nine nights" — appears in remarkably different forms across India.
Together with Dussehra on the tenth day, it forms one of the most widely celebrated Hindu festival seasons.
Gujarat — Garba and Dandiya Raas
In Gujarat, enormous Garba and Dandiya Raas gatherings turn nights into communal dance celebrations.
Traditional chaniya-choli and kediyu costumes fill dance grounds. Live singers and orchestras perform till dawn. Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot host massive commercial Garba events attracting international visitors.
Regional Variations
South India — Families create elaborate Golu (Bommai Kolu) displays of dolls arranged on stepped platforms.
North India — Ram Lila performances of the Ramayana lead up to Dussehra.
Eastern India — The latter part of the season becomes Durga Puja.
Karnataka — Mysuru Dasara is one of India's great royal festival traditions.