When is Navratri? How this festval is celeberated in different parts of the country?

This year Navratri falls on 3rd October till 12th October.

Navratri is celebrated in the northern states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, etc., as the victory of Lord Rama over the Lankan king, Ravana. The burning of the Ravan effigies, which represents the triumph of good over evil, is one of the main attractions of the joyous festivities in the North. On the tenth day, also known as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra, this rite is performed.

Gujarat is known for its Garba and Dandiya-Raas dances during Navratri. Garba is an elegant circular dance performed around a pot lit by a lamp, which represents life in the womb. In the Dandiya-Raas dance style, dancers in pairs create rhythmic patterns using jingling bells on decorated bamboo sticks.

Durga Puja is observed over the final five days of Navratri in West Bengal and Northeast India. Devi Durga is portrayed as having ten arms, riding a lion, and brandishing weapons in order to subdue evil. Temples and pandals feature life-size clay idols of Durga defeating the demon Mahishasura, and the celebration culminates with immersion on Vijaya Dashami.

In South India, the Kolu, a stepped display of dolls and miniatures, is a popular way to celebrate Navratri. These exhibitions, which go by the names Bombe Habba in Kannada, Bommai Kolu in Tamil, Bomma Gullu in Malayalam, and Bommala Koluvu in Telugu, frequently include deities and social commentary.