Navratri 2026: Dates, Cities, and the Season Ahead
Everything to know about Navratri 2026 — the October 11–20 dates, the biggest host cities, and what the American Garba season has in store.
Meera Desai
Editor-in-Chief
Meera Desai
Meera has covered Gujarati arts and music for over a decade, from village chaniya-choli workshops to sold-out arena Garba. She founded Halo Re Halo to give the tradition the serious journalism it deserves.
Stories by Meera Desai
United Way Vadodara Rebuilds Its Stage as Attendance Records Fall
Organizers of the world's largest Garba have rebuilt the main stage and reworked the grounds at Navlakhi, betting on another record year for Vadodara's nine nights.
Meera Desai
The Chaniya Choli, Stitch by Stitch
The chaniya choli is more than festival wear. Tracing its journey from Kutch embroidery to the global Garba floor reveals a living craft economy.
Meera Desai
The History of Garba, From Gujarat to American Arenas
The story of Garba's journey — from lamp-lit village courtyards in Gujarat to sold-out convention centers across America.
Meera Desai
What Garba Tickets Cost in 2026 — and Why
Garba ticket prices keep climbing. A look at what nights cost in 2026, from $40 community floors to $200-plus celebrity events.
Meera Desai
The Nine Colors of Navratri, Explained
Many communities assign a color to each of Navratri's nine nights. A guide to the tradition and what it means.
Meera Desai
The Garbo Lamp at the Heart of the Circle
The garbo — a perforated earthen lamp — sits at the center of every traditional Garba. A look at its meaning and role.
Meera Desai
The After-Garba Feast: What to Eat at Navratri
From farali fasting snacks to the midnight food stalls outside the hall, a guide to the flavors of Navratri.
Meera Desai
Nine Nights, Nine Forms: What Navratri Actually Celebrates
Navratri is more than a dance festival. A guide to the nine nights, the nine forms of the goddess Durga, and the colors that mark each evening.
Meera Desai