Utter the word ‘Navratri’ and our mind instantly goes to vivid images of tall Durga idols, colorful pandals, and crowds dancing merrily to the tunes of Garba and Dandiya songs. And what is a better place to experience this festive spirit than the state of Gujarat? The state is known for its Navratri festivities that have become a part of the collective identity of the people of Gujarat. So, if you too want to witness the grand Navratri celebrations here, below are the best cities and venues in Gujarat to be at!
Navratri Fever: Best Cities And Venues In Gujarat To Experience The Festive Spirit
City 1: Vadodara
Vadodara is the cultural capital of Gujarat, so including it here only makes sense. In the days of Navratri, the city switches to a more livelier, festive spirit that is felt everywhere you go within Vadodara. From its bustling markets and crowded temples to chaotic yet lively garba grounds, Vadodara’s Navratri celebrations are just class apart!
Nearest Airport: Vadodara International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Vadodara Junction
Here are a few events and venues we recommend to witness Navratri 2025 celebrations in Vadodara:
United Garba Mahotsav 2025
When: September 22 to October 1
Where: MM Patel Farm, Atladra, Vadodara
Timings: 9 PM onwards
Tickets: Starting INR 1750
Why Visit: As Vadodara’s favorite garba event for over three decades, United Garba Mahotsav is a celebration that has its roots in promoting social causes. Every step danced here contributes to a greater cause of United Way of Baroda – helping the institution to carry out educational, environmental, and healthcare initiatives.
OurVadodara Ratri Before Navratri
When: September 20
Where: IMA Navli Navratri Garba Ground, Vadodara
Timings: 7 PM onwards
Tickets: Starting INR 350
Why Visit: Ratri before Navratri, as the name suggests, is one of the most anticipated events in the city just before Navratri begins. The celebration is a way for families and friends to unite and celebrate in joy and festive spirit. With electrifying performances and foot-thumping music, Ratri Before Navratri is about to be your favorite pre-Navratri jam!
Vadodara Navratri Festival
When: September 22 to October 1
Where: Navlakhi Grounds, Vadodara
Timings: 8 PM onwards
Tickets: Starting INR 100
Why Visit: The Vadodara Navratri Festival is one of the most reputed celebrations in Vadodara, attracting crowds both old and young to the Navlakhi Grounds in 2025. The festive celebration will see thousands of people in their finest garba outfits dancing to the traditional dhol and music. You’ll also find plenty of food options here, thanks to the food court that will serve participants on all nine days of the festival.
City 2: Ahmedabad
As Gujarat’s UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad’s Navratri celebrations stand out for their sheer grandeur and vibrance. Over the course of nine days, neighborhoods across Ahmedabad, from the Old City to Naranpura and Sarkhej and Thaltej transform into cheery localities where locals and tourists alike enjoy the beats of garba and dandiya. So, if you’re in for lively celebrations, star-studded performances, and a spiritually enlightening energy, you must pack your bags for Ahmedabad this Navratri 2025.
Nearest Airport: Ahmedabad International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Ahmedabad Junction
Here are a few events and venues we recommend to witness Navratri 2025 celebrations in Ahmedabad:
Mandli Garba
When: September 22 to October 1
Where: Not announced yet
Timings: 8:30 PM onwards
Tickets: Starting INR 1200
Why Visit: Moving beyond traditional commercialized Navratri celebrations, Mandli in 2025 is here to offer a ‘design-first’, community-focused experience for visitors. With intricate installations and an immersive atmosphere, Mandli Garba is about to be more than just a place to enjoy garba. Also, a speciality of this event lies in the fact that celebrations often last all night, allowing visitors to enjoy to their heart’s content. Did you book your tickets yet?
Offbeat Garba
When: September 30
Where: Anokhi Greens, PRL Colony, Thaltej, Ahmedabad
Timings: 8:30 PM onwards
Tickets: Starting INR 5000
Why Visit: If you’re in the mood for something offbeat yet electrifying, you must book your tickets for Offbeat Garba. This is not your ordinary garba night – it’s an event where traditional garba music fuses with modern music and the result is just too fun to elaborate in words. Offbeat Garba is the ultimate destination in Ahmedabad when you want to do both garba and party under one roof – and we’re not even kidding!
Sheri Garba Mahotsav
When: Daily
Where: Prarthana Upvan, Prathana Upvan Rd, Ahmedabad
Timings: 8:00 PM onwards
Tickets: Starting INR 500
Why Visit: Sheri Garba Mahotsav is here to take things several notches higher in 2025, with not one, not two, but three distinct garba zones at a single venue! Yes, you read it right. The event will boast not just three different zones for you to enjoy garba, but also a food zone, a flea market, a relaxation zone, and a kids play area. With so many exciting amenities and services, isn’t Sheri Garba Mahotsav one of the most exciting Navratri celebrations in Gujarat?
Other Cities In Gujarat To Experience Navratri 2025
Surat
As one of the oldest and economically important cities in Gujarat, Surat is a city that’s known for its traditional Navratri celebrations. With plenty of temples, historic sites, and attractions, it already attracts a sizable number of tourists. And in Navratri, this number only grows exponentially. There are plenty of big and small Navratri events held across the city where both locals and tourists enjoy a night full of celebration and festivities.
Nearest Airport: Surat International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Surat Junction
Gandhinagar
Gujarat’s capital city is a haven for those looking to enjoy the festival in all its traditional glory. While celebrations here are not as grand as those in Vadodara or Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar has several pandals where stunning idols of Goddess Durga are worshipped over the course of nine days. The streets are painted in a festive hue, markets crowd with shoppers, and at night, people dress up to pay respects to the Goddess and enjoy a night of garba.
Nearest Airport: Ahmedabad International Airport (21 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Gandhinagar Capital
Rajkot
Unlike Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat, celebrations in Rajkot are more traditional and rooted in local culture. Rajkot is a city that is known for its historic sites, delicious Gujarati food, and of course, Navratri! While you’re here, do not miss out on visiting the various devi pandals across the city. And when the night approaches, step out to absorb the festive spirit of the city that’s different from many other urban celebrations in Gujarat – one that is strongly rooted in local culture and traditions.
Nearest Airport: Rajkot International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Rajkot Junction
Summing Up
Garba celebrations in Gujarat are not just about dancing with friends and family, they’re also about engaging in spiritual practices and showing devotion towards the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Be it Ahmedabad’s fun garba nights or Gandhinagar and Rajkot’s traditional festivities, each city and town in Gujarat is gearing up to welcome Goddess Durga and worship her with love and devotion. Over the course of nine glorious days, Navratri 2025 in Gujarat is about to be so much fun – this is your cue to experience the state’s biggest and grandest festival!
