5 countries other than India that celebrate Navrati with great pomp and show

Every autumn, India bursts into nine nights of color, dance, and devotion—thanks to Navratri. This festival may have begun in India as a celebration of good over evil, but today it’s celebrated across the world that thrives on community, and devotion. From New Jersey to Nairobi, one can be a part of these festivities, proving that while borders divide nations, festivals have a way of uniting people everywhere.
This also means that anyone who is travelling during this time, can still take part in the festivities. With the Indian diaspora carrying garba sticks in one hand and tradition in the other, several countries across the world have become unlikely places for this spectacular festival. So, let’s globe-trot through five such places where Navratri is as loud, lively, and lamp-lit as back home in every sense, without boundaries, spreading joy and devotion everywhere.

If you thought the US was only about pumpkin spice and Halloween in October, think again. Cities like New Jersey, New York, Chicago, and Houston turn into desi dance floors with mega Garba and Dandiya nights. Organisations such as the Federation of Indian Associations and local temples host massive events, where people gather in huge numbers to celebrate. The bonus? You might find Gujarati snacks like fafda-jalebi sitting next to nachos at the food counters.

Britain is another place where during the Navratri, the vibe seems to change. With its large Indian diaspora, the UK sees grand Navratri events across Leicester, Wembley, and Birmingham. In fact, Leicester’s Navratri is said to be Europe’s biggest, featuring vibrant garba marathons that last late into the night. Traditional attire gets an extra edge too.

Toronto and Vancouver don’t just celebrate Diwali in style, they go full throttle for Navratri too. Cultural associations like the Gujarat Samaj of Toronto organise large-scale garba nights that sell out faster than a Drake concert ticket. Imagine maple leaves crunching underfoot while you dance in a kurta, that’s Canada’s multicultural magic. And yes, samosas and butter tarts can be found in the same buffet table.

In Australia, Navratri comes alive under the Southern Hemisphere’s spring skies with the thump of dhol beats. From Sydney to Melbourne to Brisbane, garba nights light up the cities, attracting not only Indian expats but also Aussies keen to join the swirl of colors and try their hand at the lively dandiya twirls.

Here’s a surprise: Kenya has one of the oldest and most vibrant Indian communities outside India, especially in Nairobi and Mombasa. Navratri here is a cultural highlight, celebrated with elaborate garbas organized by local Hindu temples and community centers. The African beat often fuses seamlessly with Gujarati folk rhythms, creating a truly unique soundtrack. Here, the spirit of Maa Durga is celebrated under the Kenyan sky, where the aromas of both samosas and Swahili biryani waft in the air together.