The nine-day Sharadiya Navratri festival began today with grand celebrations across India, as devotees gathered in temples to worship Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. The auspicious festival, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, is marked with prayers, fasting, and cultural festivities such as Garba and Dandiya.

Devotees throng temples across India

From Delhi to Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh, temples were filled with spiritual fervor on the first day of Navratri 2025.

• Delhi: Large crowds gathered at Kalkaji Temple, Jhandewalan Temple, and the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir in Chhatarpur, where morning aarti was offered with chants and devotional hymns.
• Mumbai: The historic Mumbadevi Temple witnessed the sacred Kakad Aarti ceremony, a traditional ritual marking the beginning of festivities.
• Madhya Pradesh: Thousands of devotees visited the famous Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, Agar Malwa district, believed to have links to the Mahabharata era, adding to its spiritual significance.

The significance of Navratri

Navratri is one of Hinduism’s most sacred and vibrant festivals, dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. Each day is devoted to a different form of the Goddess, symbolizing aspects such as strength, courage, purity, wisdom, and compassion.

This year, Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana and the worship of Maa Shailputri on September 22, 2025, and will conclude on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 2, 2025.

Devotees observe fasts (vrat), install a kalash at home or temples during shubh muhurat, chant mantras, and perform aarti seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual strength.

Navratri traditions and celebrations

• Fasting & Puja: Devotees abstain from grains and non-vegetarian food, offering fruits, sweets, and special vrat meals to the Goddess.
• Cultural festivities: In Gujarat and Maharashtra, traditional Garba and Dandiya nights bring communities together with colourful attire, music, and dance.
• Durga Puja Pandals: In West Bengal and eastern India, grand Durga Puja pandals are set up with artistic idols of Maa Durga, attracting lakhs of devotees.

A festival of unity and devotion

Navratri transcends regions, blending spirituality with cultural celebration. From the Himalayas to the coastal temples of South India, the Goddess is invoked with devotion and splendour, making Navratri not just a religious occasion but also a festival of togetherness, joy, and cultural pride.

From twirling lehengas to pastel kurta sets, Navratri 2025 fashion is all about comfort with a stylish twist. Discover the perfect outfit ideas, colours, fabrics, and accessories to shine this festive season.

🌸 The Essence of Navratri Fashion 2025

Navratri is not just about devotion and dance; it’s also a celebration of culture, colours, and style. Each year, festive wardrobes evolve to blend tradition with modern trends, and Navratri 2025 is no different. Expect heritage weaves, bold hues, lightweight fabrics, and contemporary fusion wear that keeps you comfortable through Garba and Dandiya nights.

Fashion this season is about effortless elegance—vibrant yet breathable, traditional yet experimental.

👗 Navratri Outfit Ideas for Women

• Classic Lehengas with a Twist – Flowy lehengas paired with embroidered cholis and lightweight dupattas remain a timeless choice. In 2025, expect pastel tones, sequins, and cape-style dupattas for a modern touch.
• Co-ord Sets with Mirror Work – Mirror embroidery, bandhani prints, and bold colours bring energy to co-ord styles, perfect for those who love dancing without heavy layers.
• Fusion Silhouettes – Crop tops with ghagras, long jackets over shararas, or draped dupattas styled as capes offer the right mix of ethnic and contemporary.
• Pastel Kurtas & Palazzo Sets – For comfort with elegance, pastel-hued kurtas paired with embroidered palazzos or shararas are trending big.

👔 Navratri Outfit Ideas for Men

• Classic Kurta-Pajama – Opt for chikankari or silk kurtas in festive shades of red, yellow, or green, paired with contrasting pajamas.
• Indo-Western Jackets – Layer a Nehru jacket or embroidered bandhgala over a kurta to elevate the look.
• Casual Festive Wear – Pastel cotton kurtas with jeans or churidars strike the right balance between tradition and comfort.
• Printed Stoles & Dupattas – Accessories like a vibrant stole or bandhani dupatta can instantly uplift a plain kurta look.

🌈 Colours of Navratri 2025

Each day of Navratri has a symbolic colour. Designers suggest incorporating these shades into your looks to stay festive-ready:

1. Day 1 – Yellow
2. Day 2 – Green
3. Day 3 – Grey
4. Day 4 – Orange
5. Day 5 – White
6. Day 6 – Red
7. Day 7 – Royal Blue
8. Day 8 – Pink
9. Day 9 – Purple

🪡 Fabrics to Choose for 2025

• Chiffon & Georgette – For lightweight drapes that flow beautifully while dancing.
• Silk & Banarasi Weaves – Rich fabrics for a regal and traditional appeal.
• Cotton & Linen – Comfortable options for warmer evenings, perfect for daily Navratri wear.
• Mirror & Bandhani Work – Adds sparkle and vibrancy to any outfit.

💍 Jewellery & Accessories

• Women: Silver oxidised jewellery, statement earrings, layered bangles, kamarbandh, and colourful juttis complete the festive look.
• Men: Brooches, embroidered mojris, pocket squares, and classy watches can add the right finishing touches.

✨ Styling Tips for Navratri 2025

• Keep your outfits lightweight if you plan to dance through Garba nights.
• Experiment with fusion wear to stand out while staying comfortable.
• Add pops of festive colour through dupattas, clutches, or jewellery.
• Don’t shy away from metallic shades like silver and gold for extra glamour.

Lord Ganesha, revered as the remover of obstacles, is worshipped with devotion not only across India but also in many parts of the world. Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, India witnesses the creation of towering idols of Bappa, some stretching over 50 feet, installed temporarily for the festival. However, the tallest permanent Ganesha statue in the world surprisingly does not stand in India but in Thailand. This fact continues to astonish devotees who assume India holds the record for the largest Ganesha idols.

The location of the tallest Ganesha idol

The colossal statue is located in Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park in Chachoengsao province, around 80 km from Bangkok. Towering at 39 metres (128 feet), the bronze idol was constructed as a blend of faith, art, and engineering marvel. It stands as a spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists each year.

The making of a masterpiece

The construction of this Ganesha idol began in the late 2000s and was completed in 2012 after nearly four years of meticulous work. The statue was crafted from 854 bronze fragments and weighs a staggering 1,000 tonnes, making it not only one of the tallest but also one of the heaviest idols of its kind in the world. Every inch of its design is steeped in symbolism, ensuring the statue is not just a marvel to look at but also a representation of deep spiritual meaning.

Symbolism in design and offerings

Each of the four hands of Lord Ganesha in this statue carries significant offerings, representing different aspects of life and prosperity:

• Banana – symbol of sustenance and nourishment
• Sugarcane – symbol of sweetness and bliss
• Jackfruit – symbol of prosperity and abundance
• Mango – symbol of knowledge and wisdom

Together, these offerings represent a life of balance, harmony, and fulfilment. For devotees, offering prayers here is believed to bring blessings of prosperity, wisdom, and happiness.

Spiritual and cultural significance

Spread across 40,000 square metres, the temple complex is not only a place of worship but also a hub for meditation, cultural events, and community gatherings. Locals believe the idol acts as a protector of the province, bringing good fortune to residents and visitors alike. Over time, the statue has also become a symbol of the shared cultural and spiritual connection between India and Thailand, as Hindu deities like Ganesha hold a respected place in Thai traditions.

A destination for spiritual tourism

The world’s tallest Ganesha has also boosted spiritual tourism in Thailand. Thousands of Indian devotees travel here each year, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi, to seek blessings. The park also attracts international tourists curious about how Indian deities are revered outside India. The calm surroundings, large meditation spaces, and artistic detailing make it a must-visit destination for seekers of peace and spirituality.

How to reach the tallest Ganesha statue from India

• By Air: The nearest airport is Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, with multiple daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. The flight duration is around 4–5 hours.
• By Road: From Bangkok, Chachoengsao province is just an 80-km drive. Tourists can book taxis, rent private cars, or take buses to reach the park within 1.5–2 hours.
• By Train: Trains from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok connect to Chachoengsao Junction. From there, tuk-tuks or taxis are available to take visitors to the park.

A symbol beyond borders

While India continues to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with grand idols that stand tall in spirit and devotion, Thailand’s bronze Ganesha is a reminder that the love and reverence for the deity go far beyond national boundaries. It is not just a record-breaking statue but also a global icon of faith, resilience, and cultural harmony.