Delhi NCR transforms every autumn into a cultural powerhouse, with Navratri (22–30 September 2025) and Durga Puja (30 September – 4 October 2025) filling the city with dance, devotion, and dazzling décor.
From glamorous Garba nights in five-star hotels to traditional Durga Puja pandals that recreate Kolkata’s spirit, this guide lists 15 of the best places to celebrate in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and Ghaziabad — plus practical tips on tickets, timings, and travel.
Quick Comparison: 2025’s Top Festive Hotspots
| Venue / Event | Location | Highlights | Entry / Tickets | Nearest Metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purana Qila Garba | Central Delhi | Heritage fort setting, live folk + DJ beats | Ticketed (BookMyShow) | Pragati Maidan |
| Sunder Nursery Garba | Nizamuddin | Open-air lawns, family-friendly | Ticketed | JLN Stadium |
| Hyatt Regency Garba | Bhikaji Cama Place | Luxury décor, fusion bands | ₹2,000+ | Bhikaji Cama |
| Gurugram Gymkhana Club | Sector 29, Gurugram | Corporate + community Garba | Ticketed | HUDA City Centre |
| Pacific Mall Dandiya | Pitampura | Mall + dance floor, food stalls | ₹500+ | Netaji Subhash Place |
| Dilli Haat Pitampura | Pitampura | Gujarati folk bands, handicrafts | Ticket + Dilli Haat entry | Netaji Subhash Place |
| Noida/Ghaziabad Carnivals | Sector 62 / Kavi Nagar | Large grounds, community Garba | Mostly free | Noida Sec-62 / Shaheed Sthal |
| CR Park Pandals | South Delhi | Kolkata-style décor, Bengali food | Free entry | Nehru Place / Kalkaji |
| Kashmere Gate Kalibari | Old Delhi | Oldest Durga Puja, rituals | Free entry | Kashmere Gate |
| Arambagh Pandal | Jhandewalan | Creative themes, giant idols | Free entry | Jhandewalan |
| Minto Road Pandal | Central Delhi | Old-school rituals, smaller crowds | Free entry | Mandi House |
| Matri Mandir Pandal | Safdarjung Enclave | Peaceful décor, family vibe | Free entry | Green Park |
| GK2 Pandal | South Delhi | Elegant décor, community spirit | Free entry | Greater Kailash |
| Sushant Lok Pandal | Gurugram | NCR’s biggest Durga Puja outside Delhi | Free entry | HUDA City Centre |
| Mayur Vihar Kalibari | East Delhi | Authentic puja, less crowded | Free entry | Mayur Vihar Phase-1 |
Garba and Dandiya Nights: Where Dance Meets Devotion
Purana Qila – A Heritage Dancefloor
Garba at Purana Qila offers a surreal backdrop: ancient fort walls lit up as folk drummers and DJs keep the beats alive. Tickets are usually available via BookMyShow or Insider.
Sunder Nursery – Garba Under the Stars
Delhi’s heritage garden doubles as a dance floor during Navratri. A great pick for families, with greenery and safe open-air space.
Hyatt Regency – Glamour Meets Tradition
Hyatt’s luxury ballroom hosts one of the Capital’s most stylish Garba nights, complete with premium catering and designer décor.
Gurugram Gymkhana Club – Corporate Buzz
A mix of professionals, families, and expats gather here. Expect both Gujarati traditional music and Bollywood beats.
Pacific Mall Pitampura – Garba + Shopping
Dance floors in the atrium, food courts running late, and shopping offers — making it an easy option for families.
Dilli Haat Pitampura – Folk, Food, and Fun
Authentic Garba experience with Gujarati thalis, handicraft stalls, and folk musicians — perfect for cultural purists.
Noida & Ghaziabad Carnivals – Community Spirit
Local societies and associations organize massive Garba carnivals with community kitchens, dahi handi competitions, and music.
Durga Puja Pandals: Kolkata Comes to Delhi
CR Park – The Epicenter of Durga Puja
Known as “Mini Kolkata,” CR Park hosts multiple massive pandals with themed décor, dhunuchi dance, and queues for Kolkata-style street food.
Kashmere Gate Kalibari – 100+ Years of Tradition
Delhi’s oldest Durga Puja, where the rituals take center stage. Ideal for those seeking devotion over spectacle.
Arambagh Pandal – Where Creativity Shines
Expect artistic themes, eco-friendly idols, and massive crowds. One of the Capital’s most famous pujas.
Minto Road & Timarpur – Old Delhi’s Charm
More intimate celebrations, less commercial — but full of heart and ritual.
Matri Mandir, Safdarjung – Quiet Elegance
Beautifully decorated pandal with a calm, family-friendly vibe. Perfect for seniors and children.
GK2 – Stylish Yet Community-Driven
Greater Kailash’s puja is organized by local associations, known for elegant décor and strong neighborhood participation.
Sushant Lok, Gurugram – NCR’s Own Puja Hotspot
One of the largest outside Delhi proper, attracting corporate families and NRIs.
Mayur Vihar Kalibari – East Delhi’s Highlight
Well-organized, with traditional Bengali rituals and less footfall than CR Park — making it a hidden gem.
How to Plan Your Festive Visits
- Dates to remember:
- Navratri 2025: 22–30 September
- Durga Puja 2025: 30 September – 4 October
- Best time to visit: Post 8 PM for Garba; mornings or afternoons for pandal darshan to avoid peak crowds.
- Metro access: Use Delhi Metro for hassle-free travel. Parking near pandals is almost impossible.
- Food to try: Makhan misri and jalebis during Garba; phuchkas, rolls, and mishti doi at Durga Puja pandals.
- Dress code: Chaniya cholis, lehengas, and kurtas for Garba; sarees and Indian ethnic wear for Durga Puja.
- Crowd tips: CR Park and Arambagh are packed; choose Matri Mandir or Mayur Vihar for a quieter experience.
Why Delhi NCR’s Festive Season Is Special
Unlike other regions, Delhi NCR brings together multiple cultures during Navratri and Durga Puja. Gujarati Garba, Bengali Puja, and Delhi’s cosmopolitan energy fuse into a unique celebration. Whether you’re dancing in a luxury hotel ballroom or queuing for bhog in a pandal, the diversity and inclusivity of Delhi NCR festivals are what make them unforgettable.
FAQs on Navratri & Durga Puja 2025 in Delhi NCR
Q1. When are Navratri and Durga Puja in 2025?
Navratri will be celebrated from 22 September to 30 September 2025, followed by Durga Puja from 30 September to 4 October 2025.
Q2. Do Garba nights in Delhi NCR require tickets?
Yes, most Garba nights at venues like Hyatt Regency, Purana Qila, and Pacific Mall are ticketed, with prices usually ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 or more depending on the event. Durga Puja pandals are typically free to enter.
Q3. Which Durga Puja pandals in Delhi are the most famous?
The biggest crowd-pullers include CR Park pandals, Arambagh Pandal (Jhandewalan), and Kashmere Gate Kalibari. These are known for their grandeur, themes, and traditional rituals.
Q4. Which Garba venues are best for families with kids?
Family-friendly options include Sunder Nursery’s Garba, Pacific Mall Pitampura, and Dilli Haat Pitampura, where open spaces and food courts make it convenient for children and elders.
Q5. What is the best time to visit Durga Puja pandals in Delhi?
For fewer crowds, mornings and afternoons are ideal for darshan. Evenings after 8 PM are best if you want to enjoy cultural programs, dhunuchi dance, and bhog distribution.
Q6. How can I reach the main Durga Puja pandals in Delhi NCR?
Most pandals are metro-accessible. For example, CR Park is closest to Nehru Place/Kalkaji Metro, Arambagh to Jhandewalan Metro, and Mayur Vihar Kalibari to Mayur Vihar Phase 1 Metro.
Q7. Where can I enjoy authentic Bengali food during Durga Puja in Delhi?
Food stalls near CR Park pandals are famous for phuchkas, rolls, chops, and mishti doi. Many other pandals also set up bhog counters offering khichuri and labra.
Q8. Are there less crowded pandals for a calmer experience?
Yes. Matri Mandir (Safdarjung), Mayur Vihar Kalibari, and smaller pandals in Timarpur and Minto Road are less crowded compared to CR Park and Arambagh.
Q9. What should I wear to Garba nights and Durga Puja?
Traditional Indian outfits are preferred. Chaniya cholis, lehengas, and kurtas for Garba; sarees and ethnic wear for Durga Puja pandals.
Q10. Which is better for first-time visitors: Garba or Durga Puja?
Both offer unique experiences. Garba nights are high-energy dance events, while Durga Puja pandals combine rituals, art, and food. First-timers often explore both to get the full flavor of Delhi NCR’s festive diversity.