Navaratri and Durga Puja, two of India’s most cherished festivals, are celebrated across states with regional variations that reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. In 2024, these festivals are witnessing new trends and unique additions, making them even more vibrant.
Durga Puja: A growing economic force
Durga Puja in 2024 is witnessing record-breaking spending, especially in West Bengal. The overall Durga Puja economy is estimated to be worth over Rs 50,000 crore nationwide, with West Bengal alone contributing Rs 32,377 crore, equivalent to 2.58% of the state’s GDP. This figure has increased significantly from the previous year, showcasing the festival’s growing economic impact. In Kolkata, where the largest celebrations occur, around Rs 10,000 crore is being invested in pandals, artisans, and related activities.
The government of West Bengal has increased financial support to over 43,000 Durga Puja committees, providing each with Rs 85,000 in allowances and additional subsidies, including a 75% discount on electricity bills. This year alone, the state government will spend around Rs 340 crore on these committees, a sharp increase from previous years.
West Bengal: Durga Puja’s artistic excellence
In West Bengal, Durga Puja remains the most prominent event during Navaratri, with elaborate pandals showcasing intricate artwork, often designed around social and environmental themes. Kolkata’s pandals are famous for their innovative designs, and this year, many have committed to eco-friendly practices, using biodegradable materials for idols and decorations. Pandals such as Ballygunge Cultural Association are focusing on themes related to climate change, reflecting the growing environmental consciousness. The immersion process of the idols, traditionally done in rivers, is now being handled more responsibly to prevent water pollution, showcasing a shift toward sustainability.
Additionally, the pandemic years led to the introduction of virtual tours of pandals, a trend that continues in 2024, allowing those who cannot visit in person to experience the grandeur from home. This hybrid model of celebration has increased the reach of Kolkata’s Durga Puja, making it a global event.
Theme-based pandals are a highlight this year, including tributes to cultural figures and modern topics like environmental conservation and AI integration. For instance, Lalabagan Nabankur has focused on eco-friendly designs, using plants and sustainable materials.
A Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata protests the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Hospital. The installation depicts Goddess Durga hiding her face in terror, while the victim’s body lies covered in a white cloth, symbolizing the atrocities against women in West Bengal.
Delhi: A Fusion of Navaratri and Durga Puja
Delhi reflects a cultural fusion, where both Navaratri and Durga Puja are celebrated with equal enthusiasm. While Ram Lila performances dominate Navaratri in North India, with effigies of Ravana being burned to symbolize the victory of good over evil, the Bengali community in Delhi continues to host grand Durga Puja celebrations. In 2024, technological innovations are becoming more prominent, with AI-driven pandal themes and virtual reality experiences being introduced.
This year, Ramlila performances are expected to be live-streamed for a global audience, adding a modern twist to the age-old tradition. Additionally, vegetarian feasts are served across the city during Navaratri, contrasting sharply with the non-vegetarian feasts central to Durga Puja celebrations in Bengal.
Noida’s Durga Puja festivities will begin on October 9, featuring new themes and cultural events until the Visarjan on October 13. Notable celebrations include the Noida Kalibari Durga Puja in Sector 26, marking its 42nd year with a pandal designed as a replica of the Shyam Rai Temple of Bishnupur. The Jalvayu Vihar Sanskritik Kalyan Samity in Sector 21 and 25 will recreate the traditional Bonedi Bari, paying homage to Bengal’s aristocratic heritage. Both celebrations include traditional rituals, cultural performances, and authentic Bengali cuisine.
Karnataka: Royal Mysore Dasara
In Karnataka, Navaratri culminates in the grand Mysore Dasara, a royal festival that is synonymous with the city of Mysore. The highlight of the festival is the Vijayadashami procession, where the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari is carried on an elephant, followed by a royal parade. This year, the state government has increased its investment in tourism and cultural events, making this year’s celebration bigger than ever. Expect elaborate music and dance performances, fairgrounds, and the illumination of Mysore Palace, which attracts thousands of visitors from across the globe.
A unique aspect of Navaratri in Karnataka is the Bommai Golu, a doll display tradition similar to that of Tamil Nadu, where dolls representing gods, goddesses, and mythological characters are displayed on steps in homes.
The 2024 Mysuru Dasara celebrations will feature a drone show for the first time, costing Rs 3.5 crore. The show will display formations of Goddess Chamundeshwari, Mysore Palace, and more, using 1,500 LED-equipped drones. In addition to the iconic Jamboo Savari, the drone show adds a modern twist to this traditional celebration.
Tamil Nadu: Golu
In Tamil Nadu, Navaratri is celebrated through the arrangement of Golu, where dolls and figurines depicting mythological stories are arranged on steps. The tradition of Golu is both religious and artistic, with families competing to create elaborate displays. In 2024, there is a renewed focus on handmade, eco-friendly dolls, with artisans playing a key role in reviving traditional craftsmanship.
Navaratri in Tamil Nadu is also marked by classical music and dance performances, particularly in cities like Chennai, where Bharatanatyam dancers and Carnatic musicians perform in temples.
Gujarat: Return of Garba and Dandiya Nights
Navaratri in Gujarat is synonymous with Garba and Dandiya Raas, two traditional dance forms that are the heartbeat of the festival. In 2024, after years of scaled-down celebrations due to the pandemic, Garba nights are returning in full swing, with packed stadiums and celebrity performances. Cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara are lighting up with vibrant colours as people gather to dance, dressed in traditional attire.
This year, eco-friendly practices are being introduced in many areas, with a focus on minimizing waste and energy consumption during these large-scale events. Additionally, the government of Gujarat is promoting Garba tourism, offering travel packages to attract tourists from across India and abroad.
Navratri 2024 in Gujarat features top Garba events, including Falguni Pathak’s live show in Ahmedabad on October 14 at Shankus Farm. The Amdavad Na Garba is being held from October 3-11 at Adani Shantigram Cricket Ground. Other major events include the Garba Carnival at RM Patel Farm and the United Way of Baroda Garba Mahotsav in Vadodara, running until October 12, which is India’s largest Garba event.
Kerala: Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham
In Kerala, Navaratri is closely associated with Saraswati Puja and Vidyarambham, where children are initiated into the world of learning. Unlike the public, large-scale celebrations in other states, Kerala’s Navaratri is a more spiritual and introspective affair. In 2024, government-funded Vidyarambham ceremonies are being organized in schools and temples, emphasizing the importance of education.
Kerala’s Education Minister, V Sivankutty, announced a holiday for all educational institutions on October 11, 2024, as part of the Navaratri Puja celebrations. The official order confirming this decision will be issued soon. This holiday allows students and staff to participate in the religious festivities observed across the state.
Himachal Pradesh: Kullu Dussehra
While most states conclude Navaratri with Vijayadashami, Himachal Pradesh begins its celebrations with Kullu Dussehra, a week-long festival that features grand processions of local deities. The Kullu Valley comes alive with music, dance, and colourful parades, attracting tourists from around the world. This year, the state has declared Kullu Dussehra an international event, with a significant focus on promoting Himachali culture and folk traditions.
Artistes from 21 countries will participate in the International Dussehra Festival in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, as announced by Chief Parliamentary Secretary Sunder Singh Thakur. Cultural troupes will perform at the international folk dance festival to promote cultural exchange. Diplomats from various nations will meet Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for bilateral discussions on October 18. Meanwhile, the state is enhancing online tools for virtual pujas and darshans at key temples, allowing devotees worldwide to engage in religious practices remotely.
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What’s New in 2024?
Across India, the overarching trend for Navaratri and Durga Puja celebrations in 2024 is sustainability. From eco-friendly idols in West Bengal to energy-efficient Garba events in Gujarat, there is a clear shift towards reducing the environmental impact of these grand festivals.
Another significant change is the integration of technology, with virtual tours, AI themes, and live streaming becoming commonplace, especially in major cities like Delhi and Kolkata. This hybrid model of celebration not only reaches a broader audience but also allows for a deeper engagement with the traditions.
