Navaratri, also known as Durga Puja, Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra in different parts of India, is a Hindu festival celebrated to honor the Goddess Durga, also referred to as Devi, or Dharma, a representation of femininity and the triumph of good over evil. It is also celebrated to mark the anniversary of Lord Rama’s victory against the powerful King Ravana, a story depicted in the epic tale, Ramayana.
Navaratri lasts approximately 8 to 10 days and typically dies down around the end of September and beginning of October. It is celebrated by Hindu communities all over the world - in the UK, Trinidad, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, and the Netherlands. The occasion is marked with lights strung up around every corner, the bursting of a variety of firecrackers, the lighting of candles, bright clothing, dances, displays of idols and, of course, endless supplies of food and traditional snacks and sweets.
These 15 photos will give you a taste of the festivities that Durga Puja has to offer.
1. The lighting of Candles during Sandhi Puja on the day of Ashtami in Kolkata, the 8th Day of celebration
(By Sumita Roy Dutta, Wikimedia Commons)
2. Folk Dance Performances outside the Ambaji Temple of Gujarat, in celebration of Navaratri
(By anurag agnihotri, Wikimedia Commons)
3. Two Pandals (fabricated structures for displaying idols and sculptures) set up in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) for Durga Puja
(By Ramakrishna Reddy Y, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Saikat Sengupta, Wikimedia Commons)
4. Immersion of the sculpture-idol of Durga on the day of Vijaya Dashami.
(By Biswarup Ganguly, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Biswarup Ganguly, Wikimedia Commons)
(By Ministry of Culture (GODL-India), Wikimedia Commons)
5. Garba Dancing, a Navaratri Tradition in Gujarat and neighboring states
(By nevil zaveri, Wikimedia Commons)
6. Kudroli Hindu Temple in Karnataka, decorated with lights in honor of Navaratri
(By Karunakar Rayker, Wikimedia Commons)
7. A lit lamp set atop a Bathukamma flower arrangement, a Telegu Navaratri Tradition
(By Randhirreddy, Wikimedia Commons)
8. Dhaks, an instrument played in processions and street performances during Durga Puja
(By Mallikamandal25, Wikimedia Commons)
9. Dhunachi naach (Dhunuchi Dance) performed on Navami (the 9th day of Durga Puja), using the Dhunachi, a Bengali incense burner
(By Amarnath, Wikimedia Commons)
(By ampersandyslexia, Wikimedia Commons)
10. The burning of Ravana Effigies during Dussehra
(By Shakti, Wikimedia Commons)
11. Dussehra Procession held in Mysore, Karnataka, as both a yearly tradition and now a major tourist attraction
(By Kalyan Kumar, Wikimedia Commons)
12. Kolam or Rangoli (a form of drawing that makes use of colored rice flour, chalk or rock powder) patterns drawn on the floor to mark Navaratri
(By Ramesh NG, Wikimedia Commons)
13. Women playing sindoor khela (the “vermilion game”), on Vijaya Dashami, which involves the smearing of sindur, a vermilion red cosmetic powder traditionally worn by married women.
(By Arindam Mitra, Wikimedia Commons)
14. Lights designed and installed on numerous streets during the time of the Festival
(By Kumar83, Wikimedia Commons)
15. A typical Navaratri feast, consisting of some rice or Indian bread, fried items (pakoda), assorted vegetables, curry, and gravy, with some cool refreshing buttermilk to drink with it.
(By Vivek3dartist, Wikimedia Commons)
The Best of South Asian Architecture - 15 Magnificent Gems
The architectural landscape of South Asia is brimming with magnificent structures - both historic and modern.
On Christmas, Fife County Turns Kids' Drawings Into Lights
In a small town in Scotland, people decided to celebrate Christmas by creating unique holiday lights based on children's drawings.
Magic Can be Found Through the Magnifying Camera Lens
It's an eye-straining hunt for the next model - slime fungus macrophotography.
Visit the Largest Pumpkin Exhibition in the World
Visit Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany, the largest one in the world!
Aerial View of World's Largest Airplane Graveyard
Aerial photos show patterns we wouldn't notice otherwise!
These Might Be Some of the Most Beautiful Temples on Earth
Hindu Temples aren't just places of worship for Hindus, they are beacons of spirituality and history, open to people all around the world
WATCH: Peniche Is a Must-see Place When Visiting Portugal
Peniche has long been an important fishing harbor on the Atlantic coast. Watch this gorgeous drone video of the Portuguese municipality.
Austria's Lake District Is Gorgeous Beyond Belief!
I have rarely been as stunned as I was when I saw how beautiful Salzkammergut in Austria is. Visit this amazing lake district in Europe.
18 Stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites to See in Italy
Apart from well-known attractions like the Colosseum, Pompeii, Rome, Venice, and Florence, there are 18 impressive locations that showcase a captivating blend of natural landscapes and ancient architectural wonders.
Meghalaya: An Indian State Blessed With Endless Beauty
Meghalaya is a beautiful state in the northeast corner of India, which is filled with numerous natural wonders and cultural excitements.
Here Are the Most Important Archaeological Finds of 2023
2023 was an interesting year for archaeology.
This Travel Log Will Take You Through Egypt's Wonders
This short travelogue will take you through some of the most amazing Pharaonic sights of Egypt.
Remembering the World’s Long Lost Architectural Gems
There have been countless architectural gems built over centuries. Sadly, many no longer exist. Here’s a look at some of them.
Food Photographer of the Year: 16 Mouth-Watering Pics
Check out the yummiest pictures from the Food Photographer of the Year contest.
Georgia Is the Most Beautiful Country You’ve Never Been To
The sights and attractions of the Caucasian country of Georgia
These Photos of Machu Picchu Are Simply Stunning
Machu Picchu is one of the few places everybody wished to visit, and these gob-smacking pictures show just why.
I Would Be So Happy in One of These Beautiful Little Towns
When you get out of the big cities and start visiting the small ones, you realize you've missed some of the most beautiful places..
Meet the People Who Make Hiking Trails Happen.
Ever gone hiking and started to wonder, "How did this trail get here?" Well, here's the answer for ya...
Take a Virtual Trip to Australia With An Interactive Guide
Australia is an amazing country that leaves many of us in complete awe for a whole variety of reasons. Take an interactive tour of the country.
Hidden Pearls of Japan: 12 Gorgeous, Little-Known Sights
If you plan to visit Japan, consider visiting 12 of the most charming and peaceful Japanese villages and towns.
Japan's 9 Most Underrated Destinations You MUST Visit
Have you visited any of these underrated destinations in Japan?
The World's Most Incredible Toy Train Journeys
Experience the joy of these iconic toy train rides.
These Hotels Are SO Cool, No One Wants to Leave!
The problem with these beautiful hotels is that, once you get there, you never want to leave!
Thailand Is Home to Some Jaw-Dropping Places to Visit
Thailand is hugely popular with tourists from all over the world, and to be honest, it's not hard to see why. Check out these 12 amazing attractions and places.
Utrecht is the Netherlands’ Underrated Gem
If you’re looking for a big city with the vibe of a quaint small town, Utrecht may be the perfect choice for you. 10 of the city's best locations.
The Beauty of Cape Town Is Highly Apparent In This Video
Cape Town is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful cities, and this video captures it in the most incredible way. Take a look at Cape Town's beauty.
The World’s Oldest Hotel Has Many Stories to Tell
Join us on a unique tour of the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan - the world's oldest hotel.
The Incredible Sights and Sites of Salamanca, Spain!
Looking at the most interesting and beautiful parts of Salamanca, Spain
The World is Full of Wonders, Here are a Fascinating Few...
From the mysterious sailing stones of death valley to red tides, ornage moons and ice circles - our world is full of these bizarre phenomena! Here are 13 of the most interesting wonders of this planet!
I Watched this Video and Now I’m Planning a Trip to Ghent
Sweet trappist beer, golden Belgian fries and this gorgeous skyline- what else could you ask for?
14 Small Towns and Cities That Reveal Austria's True Charm
Get to know Austria's lesser-known cities and towns. They may be small but they tell the true story of the beautiful country in their humble and wonderful way.
These Murals Change the Way People Look at Hospitals
Italian artist Silvio Irilli adds color to hospitals with his delightful murals.
Welcome to the Most Colorful Town in the Entire World
Whoever thought that the most colorful town in the world would be a little settlement of 5,000 people in the heart of Colombia!? Here it is in all its glory.
This Timelapse of Alaska Will Take Your Breath Away
Witness the incredible beauty of Alaska in this short, timelapse film
Dubai As You’ve Never Seen Before in 18 Photos
Dubai is much morte than its stunning scyscrapers. These pictures give us a glimpse of the city as you've never seen before.
I've Never Seen Gardens as Beautiful as the Japanese Ones
These Japanese gardens will leave you just wishing for a calm walk in such a beautiful place.
21 Things About Australia that Would Scare Me to Death
These 22 pictures are proof that Australia is a terrifying place to visit
A Walk Through Israel and the Palestinian Territories
This visual adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression and deepen your understanding of this multifaceted and fascinating part of the world.
Would You Try Staying in the ‘World's Loneliest House’?
A tiny white house on a remote island in Iceland has been called the "World's Loneliest House". But what's its story?
16 Happy Facts to Make Your End of the Year Better
Celebrate the end of the year with these illustrated positive facts.
Are These the 30 Best Places to See Before You Die?
When you look at these 30 photos, you'll realize just how much wonderful stuff in life there is still to do!
Scotland Is One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth
Scotland, as these 16 photos will prove, truly is a place of remarkable beauty.
Escape From the World to These Beautiful US Hideaways
Did you know that you can escape from the world right here in the United States? Here are 10 beautiful US hideaways to escape to.
The World's Best Underground Train Systems, Revealed
Today, let us take you on a ride on some of the most impressive metro systems in the world.
10 Wonderful River Cruise Experiences We Highly Recommend
Here are the top 10 recommended destinations for river cruising worldwide.
The Beauty of Guyana Is Sure to Take Your Breath Away
Guyana is an English-Speaking country in Caribbean South America that houses an incredible variety of plant and animal life.