Navratri 2025 Dates, Tickets and Temple Timings

This is our news and practical information page for Navratri 2025 in Gujarat. We have tried to give you the key dates and a sense of how tickets, passes and temple visits generally work. We have deliberately not included ticket prices, event timings or the names of organisers, because these change every year and sometimes at short notice. Please treat everything here as a guide and confirm details locally before you travel.

Navratri 2025: the dates

Sharad Navratri in 2025 is expected to begin on Monday, 22 September, with Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a sacred pot, on the first morning. The nine nights are expected to run to around Wednesday, 1 October, with Maha Navami. Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is expected on Thursday, 2 October.

Important days often include:

Day 1, 22 September: Ghatasthapana and the start of Navratri.
Day 8, Ashtami: often marked with special pujas; many families observe rituals on this day.
Day 9, Navami: the last night of garba in many places.
Dussehra, 2 October: the end of the festival.

Some calendars in 2025 may differ by a day for Ashtami or Navami because of the timing of lunar days. Please check a local panchang or ask your hosts.

Weekends

Within the 2025 Navratri, the weekend of 27 and 28 September is likely to be among the busiest for large events, since many people do not need to work the next day. Plan accordingly: book early if you want to attend a specific event that weekend, or choose weekday nights if you prefer smaller crowds.

Tickets and passes

Large garba events in Gujarat’s cities have, in recent years, often been ticketed. The general pattern has included:

Single-night tickets and season passes covering all or most nights.
Separate pricing for individuals, couples and families at some events.
Online sales, as well as sales at venues or authorised outlets.
Early-bird options that sell out quickly.

Some events have restricted entry, dress codes, age limits or rules on what can be carried in. Some have registration or identity requirements. Check the official channels of any event you are considering, and be wary of unofficial resellers, which can carry a risk of fake tickets.

There has also been public discussion in recent years about tax on garba event passes. We do not know what rules will apply in 2025; check current information.

Many neighbourhood, society and temple celebrations are free and open, or open to invited guests. These do not need tickets.

Practice sessions

In the weeks before Navratri, many cultural groups, dance classes and societies run garba practice sessions. If you are arriving early, ask locally.

Temple timings and crowds

Navratri is a festival of the goddess, and many temples in Gujarat see large numbers of devotees during the nine nights. Notable goddess temples include Ambaji, in Banaskantha district near the Rajasthan border, and the Mahakali temple at Pavagadh, near Vadodara. Both are important pilgrimage sites, and both can be extremely crowded during Navratri.

During major festivals, temple authorities often change darshan timings, introduce queue systems, restrict vehicle access or change ropeway or shuttle arrangements. Our advice is:

Check official temple websites or local news for current timings before you go.
Expect long queues, especially on weekends and important days.
Go early in the day if possible.
Carry water, wear comfortable footwear and dress modestly.
Follow instructions from temple staff and police.
Consider whether a visit at a quieter time of year might suit you better.

Ambaji also hosts a large fair, the Bhadarvi Poonam fair, around the full moon before Navratri, which typically draws very large numbers of pilgrims, many on foot. In 2025 that full moon falls in early September. If you are travelling then, expect heavy crowds on the roads to Ambaji.

Transport

Trains, flights and buses into Ahmedabad and Vadodara often fill early during Navratri and around Dussehra. Indian Railways generally opens reservations around 60 days ahead, though the exact window can change; check the current rule. Road traffic near popular venues is usually heavy in the evenings and at closing time. Plan your journey home before you go out.

Accommodation

Hotel rates in Gujarat’s cities typically rise during Navratri, and popular hotels can be fully booked. Book early and check cancellation terms.

Music and time limits

Gujarat has, in some recent years, allowed garba events to continue later than usual during Navratri, while in others, stricter limits on amplified music late at night have applied. We do not know what rules will apply in 2025; check local news closer to the time.

Weather

Late September is usually the end of the monsoon in Gujarat, but rain is still possible. Late rain has sometimes disrupted outdoor events. Carry a rain layer, and check whether events have rain plans.

Safety

Police and organisers usually deploy significant resources to manage Navratri crowds. Follow their instructions, especially at entry and exit points. Keep valuables secure, stay with your group and keep your phone charged. Many cities run women’s safety initiatives during Navratri; ask locally about helplines.

Alcohol rules

Gujarat is a dry state, with permit-based exceptions governed by state rules. Do not expect alcohol at garba events.

Dussehra

Dussehra, on 2 October 2025, marks the end of the festival. In Gujarat it is associated with fafda and jalebi in the morning, family visits and, in some places, Ravan effigy burning in the evening.

Travelling with children or older relatives

Large garba grounds can be overwhelming for small children and tiring for older people. If you are travelling with family, consider earlier evenings, smaller community celebrations and a clear plan for getting home. Agree on a meeting point in case anyone becomes separated, and make sure children know your phone number.