Shardiya Navratri 2025 in Mumbai: Dates, Garba Nights, Pandals & Travel Guide

Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant festivals, and in Mumbai, it takes on a special flavour of devotion, Garba and dazzling celebrations. The Shardiya Navratri in 2025 will be no exception. The nine days will bring together traditional rituals, colourful pandals, energetic garba nights, and a city buzzing with festive energy.

If you are planning to celebrate Navratri in Mumbai this year, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from key dates and day-wise colours to the best places to experience garba dandiya, iconic pandals, food, and travel tips.

Shardiya Navratri 2025 Dates & Muhurat

In 2025, Shardiya Navratri will be observed for 10 days instead of the usual nine. The festival begins on Monday, 22 September 2025 with Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) and will conclude on Thursday, 2 October 2025 with Dashami/Vijayadashami (Dussehra).

This unusual extension is due to the Pitru Paksha (the fortnight dedicated to ancestors) being one day shorter in 2025. That extra day is being added to Navratri, giving devotees and festival-goers in Mumbai an extended celebration filled with rituals, garba nights, and pandal hopping.

• Ghatasthapana Muhurat (Kalash Sthapana): Expected between 06:14 AM and 07:56 AM on 22 September 2025.
  
  
• Vijayadashami (Dussehra): 2 October 2025.

So, this year, devotees will enjoy a 10-day Shardiya Navratri — a rare event that last happened decades ago.

The Significance of the Nine Days

Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga, collectively known as the 9 Durga or Nava Durga. Devotees perform puja, fasting, and cultural celebrations to honour her different avatars, from Shailputri on the first day to Siddhidatri on the ninth.

Navratri is not just about rituals — it is also about the community coming together, celebrating devotion with dance, music, and food. For Mumbai, it is a festival that blends religious fervour with a lively cultural spirit.

9 Colours of Navratri 2025

One of the unique traditions during Navratri is wearing a different colour each day. The 9 colours of Navratri are linked with the form of Durga worshipped on that day and hold symbolic meaning. For 2025, the colours are expected to be:

• 1st day of Navratri (22 Sep, Shailputri): White
• 2nd day of Navratri (23 Sep, Brahmacharini): Red
• 3rd day of Navratri (24 Sep, Chandraghanta): Royal Blue
• 4th day of Navratri (25 Sep, Kushmanda): Yellow
• 5th day of Navratri (26 Sep, Skandamata): Green
• 6th day of Navratri (27 Sep, Katyayani): Grey
• 7th day of Navratri (28 Sep, Kalaratri): Orange
• 8th day of Navratri (29 Sep, Mahagauri): Peacock Green
• 9th day of Navratri (30 Sep, Siddhidatri): Pink

These colours influence everything from fashion to garba night themes. Many event organizers encourage participants to dress according to the day’s colour, adding to the festive mood.

Navratri Celebrations in Mumbai

Mumbai’s Navratri celebrations are a spectacular mix of tradition and entertainment. The city lights up with Durga pandals, local community gatherings, and large-scale garba nights that attract thousands of participants.

Pandals and Durga Puja

While Navratri is celebrated across Maharashtra with devotion to Goddess Durga, Mumbai is also famous for its Durga Puja pandals, particularly in South and Central Mumbai. Areas like Dadar, Lalbaug, and Khetwadi host some of the most visited pandals, with elaborate idols and decorations.

Visiting pandals during Navratri is not only a spiritual experience but also a chance to admire artistic craftsmanship and join the collective spirit of celebration.

Garba & Dandiya Nights

For many Mumbaikars, Navratri means one thing — garba and dandiya. The energetic circular dance of garba, paired with the rhythmic beats of dandiya sticks, makes evenings unforgettable.

Popular Garba Nights in Mumbai

• Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC): Known for large-scale ticketed events with celebrity performers.
• Borivali and Malad: Suburban hotspots for traditional garba with strong community participation.
• Thane and Navi Mumbai: Offer family-friendly garba events and affordable entry tickets.
• Local Mandals: Many residential colonies and mandals organize free or low-cost garba nights that capture the community essence.

Whether you are searching for a garba night near me or planning to attend the city’s grandest shows, you’ll find options to suit every preference and budget. Tickets for premium events sell out quickly, so booking early is recommended.

Travel Tips for Navratri in Mumbai

The festive season also brings heavy crowds, especially in the evenings when pandals and garba venues are at their busiest. Here are some practical travel tips:

• Use Public Transport: Mumbai locals and the metro are the fastest ways to reach popular pandals and event venues. The Yatri app can help you check live train timings, metro schedules, and avoid last-minute rush.
• Plan Ahead: Check the days of Navratri and decide which events you want to attend in advance.
• Avoid Peak Hours: If possible, start your journey before evening rush hours.
• Last-Mile Connectivity: Be prepared for short walks or auto rides from the station to the event location.
• Safety First: Travel with friends, avoid deserted platforms late at night, and use women-only compartments when needed.

Navratri Events & Community Vibe

Beyond pandals and garba nights, Navratri in Mumbai is also about cultural programs, music performances, and neighbourhood events. Many schools, clubs, and housing societies organize dandiya garba nights that keep the celebrations inclusive and community-driven.

The festival also coincides with shopping sprees. Markets and malls offer discounts on ethnic wear, jewellery, and festive accessories, making it the perfect time to shop for your Navratri look.

Why Navratri in Mumbai is Special

What makes Navratri in Mumbai unique is the blend of tradition and modernity. While some families strictly observe puja rituals, others focus on garba nights and community events. The city’s diversity ensures that there is something for everyone — from spiritual devotees to enthusiastic dancers.

Mumbai’s fast-paced life seems to pause for nine days, as streets, pandals, and event halls become centres of joy, colour, and togetherness.

Final Thoughts

Happy Navratri 2025!

As the first beats of garba echo across the city and pandals welcome thousands of devotees, Mumbai transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration. Whether you plan to dress in the navratri days colours, visit pandals, or dance till midnight at a garba night, Shardiya Navratri 2025 offers an experience you will remember long after the festival ends.

Celebrate responsibly, plan your travel in advance with Yatri app, and immerse yourself in the nine days of devotion, dance, and festive cheer.