Navratri in Udaipur: A Festival of Faith, Food, and Fun.

Navratri, the nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Shakti, is celebrated with great pomp and fervor in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The city is known for its unique Navratri celebrations, which last for 15 days instead of the usual nine. This is because the people of Udaipur believe that the goddess takes 15 days to reach the city.

Day 1: Ghats of Pichola Lake

The celebrations begin on the first day of Navratri with a special ceremony at the Ghats of Pichola Lake. Devotees gather on the banks of the lake to offer prayers and flowers to the goddess. The ghats are decorated with colorful lights and flowers, and the air is filled with the sound of devotional music.

Day 2-14: Garba Nights

From the second day of Navratri to the fourteenth day, the city comes alive with garba nights. Garba is a traditional folk dance performed by men and women in a circle. The dancers sing devotional songs and clap their hands in rhythm to the music. Garba nights are held in various parts of the city, and people from all walks of life come to participate in the festivities.

Day 15: Dussehra

The fifteenth and final day of Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra. On this day, devotees celebrate the victory of good over evil. In Udaipur, Dussehra is celebrated with a grand procession in which effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burnt.

Here are some of the highlights of Navratri celebrations in Udaipur:

• Garba nights: The city comes alive with garba nights during Navratri. Garba is a traditional folk dance performed by men and women in a circle. The dancers sing devotional songs and clap their hands in rhythm to the music. Garba nights are held in various parts of the city, and people from all walks of life come to participate in the festivities.
• Dussehra procession: The Dussehra procession is a grand event that marks the end of Navratri celebrations. In Udaipur, the procession is held on the fifteenth day of Navratri. Effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad are burnt, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
• Food and shopping: Navratri is a time for feasting and shopping. Special Navratri thalis are served in restaurants, and markets are filled with stalls selling Navratri-themed items.

Here are some of the best spots to experience Navratri in Udaipur:

• Ghats of Pichola Lake: The Ghats of Pichola Lake are one of the most popular spots to celebrate Navratri in Udaipur. On the first day of Navratri, a special ceremony is held at the ghats, where devotees gather to offer prayers and flowers to the goddess. The ghats are decorated with colorful lights and flowers, and the air is filled with the sound of devotional music.
• Jagdish Temple: The Jagdish Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Udaipur. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and special pujas are held throughout the festival. Devotees come from all over the city to visit the temple and offer their prayers to the goddess.
• City Palace: The City Palace is a magnificent complex of palaces, gardens, and courtyards. During Navratri, the palace is decorated with lights and flowers, and special cultural events are held. Devotees can also visit the temple inside the palace complex to offer their prayers to the goddess.
• Shilpgram: Shilpgram is a crafts village located on the outskirts of Udaipur. During Navratri, a special fair is held at Shilpgram, where artisans from all over Rajasthan come to sell their handicrafts. Visitors can also enjoy cultural performances and folk dances at the fair.
• Garba Grounds: There are several garba grounds in Udaipur where garba nights are held during Navratri. Some of the most popular garba grounds include the Nehru Garden, the Shilpgram, and the Fateh Sagar Lakefront. Visitors can come to these garba grounds to participate in the festivities and enjoy the traditional folk dance.

In addition to these spots, there are many other places in Udaipur where you can experience the city’s unique Navratri celebrations. You can visit the local markets to shop for Navratri-themed items, or you can simply wander around the city and enjoy the festive atmosphere.