Navratri & Garba Nights
Garba · Dandiya Raas
Nine nights honouring the Goddess, celebrated in Gujarat with garba and dandiya raas — circular dances performed nightly around an earthen lamp or an image of the Goddess.
- Where it is observed
- Gujarat · Mumbai · Rajasthan · and Gujarati communities nationwide
- Communities
- Hindu families; observed most intensively in Gujarat
- When to send
- 2–6 weeks ahead
- Invitation shape
- An event invitation, frequently with a ticketing or pass element. Entry timing, dress code, and parking matter more here than in a family invitation.
Who invites whom
Housing societies, clubs, cultural associations, and commercial organisers invite members and ticket-holders. Families also host smaller garba evenings at home.
Timing & dates
Large commercial garba grounds announce passes from early September, well before the festival. Society and community events typically invite two to three weeks ahead.
2026–27 date guidance
Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from 11 to 19 October, with Dussehra on 20 October. Note that panchang sources differ on the placement of Ashtami (18 or 19 October) and Dashami (20 or 21 October) — confirm against the panchang your community follows before finalising dates on an invitation.
The ceremonies
Practice varies by family, community and region — not every household observes all of these.
Ghatasthapanaघटस्थापना
The installation of the kalash on the first day, marking the start of the nine nights.
Garbaગરબા
A circular dance performed around a lamp or image of the Goddess, danced nightly.
Dandiya Raasદાંડિયા રાસ
A paired stick dance, usually performed later in the evening after garba.
Aarti
The evening prayer, performed before the dancing begins.
Ashtami / Navami Havan
A fire ritual performed on the eighth or ninth day.
What the invitation must include
- Dates and nightly start time — and how late the event runs
- Venue with map link, and parking guidance
- Pass or ticket details: types, price, and where to buy
- Dress code, where one applies — traditional attire is often required for entry
- Entry rules: last entry time, re-entry policy, outside food
- Organiser contact number
Wording examples
Adapt these to your family's own voice — square brackets mark what you replace.
[Society Name] invites all residents and their families to our Navratri Garba Mahotsav. Nine nights of garba and dandiya raas, [Dates], from [Time] at [Venue].
Traditional attire requested — chaniya choli and kediyu. Entry in traditional dress only.
Create your Navratri & Garba Nights invitation
Every function, muhurat, venue and RSVP built around your celebration — and shareable on WhatsApp in a single link.
Related guides
Durga Puja
The great autumn festival of Bengal, marking the Goddess Durga's annual homecoming. Celebrated over five main days in community pandals and in family homes.
Golu · Bommala Koluvu
During Navratri, families arrange dolls and figurines on an odd number of tiered steps and invite women and children to visit, sing, and receive sundal and tamboolam.
Ganesh Chaturthi
The arrival of Ganpati in homes and community pandals, celebrated with daily aarti for a period chosen by the household — commonly one and a half, five, seven or ten days — ending in visarjan.