Navratri 2025: History, Rituals And Fashion to Try

Navratri is one of the most vibrant Hindu festivals. Celebrated to honor Goddess Durga. It is celebrated at the beginning of the monsoon season, signifying the changing of seasons before the arrival of Diwali. It celebrates the victory of good over evil. During this period nine days of fasting is done. People worship Durga's nine different forms, which represent strength, peace and Navratri history.

Rituals of Navratri

The word 'Navratri' literally means 'nine nights'. Some of the rituals include Kalash Sthapana and Durga Saptashati recitation. Each day is dedicated to one form of Goddess Durga, namely

Shailaputri, the Daughter of the Mountains, depicting the symbol of strength
Brahmacharini, the Goddess of penance, depicting the symbol of devotion and peace
Chandraghanta, the warrior goddess with a crescent moon
Kushmanda, the creator of the universe with her divine smile
Skandamata ,the mother of Kartikeya, symbolising motherhood
Katyayani,the fierce form born to Rishi Katyayan, the destroyer of evil
Kalaratri, the dark form remover of fear and negativity
Mahagauri,the symbol of purity and serenity
Siddhidatri, the bestower of wisdom and supernatural powers.

Regional Celebrations of Navratri

In different regions this festival is celebrated differently.

In Gujarat it is known for Garba & Dandiya Raas..
In West Bengal it has elaborate idols of Goddess Durga. Pandal-hopping, cultural performances and immersion ceremonies on Vijaya Dashami.
In Maharashtra,we worship the goddess with ghatasthapana and perform Garba..
In North India Ram Leela plays, and Ravana is burnt
5.In South India, families arrange dolls and idols in tiers symbolizing devotion.
In Karnataka ,we celebrate famous royal processions. Where elephants, lights, and cultural programmes takes place.

History & Significance of Navratri

According to one myth, Mahishasura, a demon who could not be killed by any god. But was defeated by Goddess Durga, demonstrating her victory over evil. Another tale states that before overcoming Ravana, Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga. And so won, which is today celebrated as Dussehra. Navratri is a celebration of colour, dance, and devotion. The important element to the celebration is the traditional clothing. Which is worn by men, women, girls, and children. Ghaghra choli and duppatta, adds to the beauty of the Garba night.

Modern Navratri Outfits

Modern Navratri outfits is all about the new generation. They try styling the outfits as per their style and comfort. Many of the girls and women prefer wearing lehengas with crop tops. Some wear jackets or with traditional dupattas. Carried by the accessories like heavy earrings and waist chains. Indo-Western shararas with some heavy mirror work are also preferred. Men try kurtas with denim jackets or floral-printed kurtas. Designed with some jewellery as a modern outfit.

Navratri Traditional Dress for Men

Where there are men wearing comfortable and minimal driven kurtas. Jeans, jackets and sneakers to look trendy and versatile to give it a classy twist. There are still men who prefer to wear dhoti, pagadi and duppatas, followed by traditional mojris/juttis. Showing regional identity and culture.

Navratri Outfit Ideas for Girls

Girls love experimenting on Navratri days, so how can they give a miss to this festival where they decide to wear colourful clothes? Some of the most popular Navratri outfit ideas include cholis having mirrorwork, lehengas and ghagras, some choose to wear crop and baggy tops along with heels, flats, and oxidised earrings that gives trendy and comfortable look.

Which Colour Dress to Wear in Navratri?

Since Navratri is a nine-day festival, each day holds a different story with different coloured dresses that one wears each day. Shades like blue, yellow, green, red, white, orange, grey, purple, and Navratri rituals.

15 Navratri Outfit Ideas You Can Try

1. Choli with Heavy Lehenga,and or with dupatta

Go for lehengas having mirror work, embroidery, or zari. Try pairing it with crop top blouse along with flowy dupatta. Try adding oxidised jewellery and juttis for the complete Garba-night vibe.

2. Printed Cotton Lehenga

Since these lehngas are lightweight so they give comfort. They are perfect for long hours of dancing. Try choosing vibrant block prints or Bandhani patterns. Style with silver jewellery along with flats.

3. Long Skirt with Ethnic Blouse

This can make you look both trendy and traditional. You can pick silk or chiffon skirt with a short blouse. Add bangles and necklace to enhance the outfit.

4. Shararas with Embellished Kurti

Shararas having mirror work or having gota patti looks stunning. Try pairing it with a short kurti or with a jacket style top. Accessorise with earrings and a maang tikka to make it look more stylish.

5. Colourful Ghagra Choli

One of the most traditional Navratri looks is ghagra choli. Bright colours like red, yellow, and green are some of the popular ones. Adding a dupatta with tassels and pom-poms for giving it a fun vibe. Finish the look with mojris and oxidised bangles.

6. Maxi Dresses with Heavy Earrings

Maxi Dresses with Heavy Earrings

For those who prefer styling while remaining in their comfort zone, Indo-western maxi dresses in bright shades are perfect. Pair with large earrings and a boho waist belt.

7. Kurta with Denim Jacket

Pairing a plain kurta with a denim or embroidered jacket is a modern option. Men can try styling it with sneakers. While women can add jhumkas and flats for enhancing their look.

8. Dhoti-Kurta Set

A traditional yet comfortable choice is dhoti kurta. For women, style it with crop tops or jackets. For men, keep it classic with juttis or with stoles.

9. White Chunari Kurta-Pyjama with Colourful Dupatta

People can carry this look with a vibrant coloured dupatta. Try accessorising it with Kolhapuri chappals and silver ornaments.

10. Overlapping Front-Panel Style Kurta

This option is trendy and perfect for men who want a twist for their kurtas. Pair with churidar pants for a sharp look.

11. Bandhani & Banarasi Printed Outfits

Fabrics like Bandhani and Banarasi are perfect for such nights . Women can wear Banarasi lehengas or sarees, while men can try Bandhani kurtas.

12. Lehengas with Pastel Work

A modern alternative to bright colours is wearing lehengas with pastel work. Choose pastel shades with fine embroidery. Pair with pearl jewellery and soft curls for a cheerful look.

13. Floral Print Kurtas for Men

Men can wear floral kurtas along with pyjamas or jeans. They can try adding loafers or juttis for a classy look.

14. Sarees with kamarbandh

A lightweight saree in chiffon or georgette, paired with a kamarbandh. It makes it look good as a Navratri outfit.

15. Fusion Outfits with Mix & Match Elements

Try it with jackets or with skirts or with crop tops or with dhotis. Also add earrings and waist belts to pull the look together. It looks perfect for those who want to look different from others.

Navratri outfit ideas for women

Women can try wearing lehenga choli, which is the most iconic Navratri attire. A saree with a along with chunky jewellery and traditional mojris can be considered. Or a ghagra with a short kurti can be few of the other options.They can also wear crop tops and skirt. Jumpsuits or kurta with dhoti pants can also be an option.

Kid's Navratri dresses in bright shades

Kids are selfless at heart; they wear anything that looks bright, but their mothers love dressing them, preferably with traditional choli sets, coordinated kurta pyjamas, maxi dresses, dhoti pyjama sets, sleeveless blouses and jackets for men.

Navratri Fashion Trends & Plus Size Navratri fashion

This year’s Navratri fashion trends highlight looks like the one that celebrates, carrying mirror work, pastel shades, and floral prints. Plus-size Navratri fashion is also in focus, with designers offering big-size flowy lehengas, baggy kurtas, flats & heels for all body types. This Navratri, celebrate with devotion, colours, music, and fashion—while embracing both tradition and modern style!