Navratri 2025: As Navratri 2025 lights up Pune, the city comes alive in a vibrant blend of devotion, culture, and celebration. From the rhythmic beats of dandiya nights to the serene rituals of Durga Puja, Pune embraces the festival in all its diverse forms.
With the festivities commencing on September 28, the season of pandal hopping has officially arrived. This year, Pune’s pandals are returning with enthusiasm and creativity. Here’s a guided tour of what it’s like to experience Navratri in this vibrant city.
Pune's Durga Puja is an odyssey of devotion and festivity. Each day unfolds with its unique rhythm, from the holy chants, pushpanjali, the communal sharing of Bhog, evening Arati, and lively cultural performances to the Sindoor Utsav and the farewell procession, all of which perpetuate the spirit of faith through the magnificence of Durga Puja. These rituals collectively create a rich tapestry of tradition, joy, and unity, rendering the celebrations an indelible experience of culture and community.
Adding to the city-wide festivities, the Anandmela is also the centre of attraction of many pandals. It features food stalls and handicraft booths, and providing visitors with an opportunity to shop and savour traditional delicacies. Cultural programs are also a highlight, with folk and fusion performances lined up from celebrated artists.
Pandals in Navratri 2025
The Bangiya Sanskriti Samsad, also referred to as the Congress Bhavan Pandal, is embracing an eco-conscious initiative. The idols are being made from biodegradable materials like bamboo and soil, demonstrating a dedication to sustainability. The pandal will be decorated with Dokra art, a traditional craft from Purulia.
Celebrating its 86th year, the Kali Bari Durga Pandal has selected the Ram Mandir as its theme for this year. In addition to rituals, they have arranged to offer delicious Bengali cuisine to devotees. 'A team of cooks from Kolkata is coming specifically to prepare the traditional bhog,' stated Anup Dutta, the general secretary.
Durga Puja: Bengali Colour, Music & Ritual
For many, the celebration begins at the heart of Bengali culture—Durga Puja pandals scattered across the city. Places like the iconic Congress Bhavan in Shivajinagar and Oikyotan Bangiya Parishad at Kapse Lawns draw thousands with their beautifully crafted idols, dhunuchi naach, and community celebrations.
From Range Hills’ Kali Bari Temple to the festive pandals in Hadapsar and Baner, these spaces are not just about worship—they’re about heritage, art, music, and food. Each pandal becomes a mini cultural hub, where the air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of traditional Bengali songs.
Garba & Dandiya Nights
As night falls, another side of Navratri awakens. Across Amanora Mall, Hinjawadi, and The Mills in Pune, the city turns into a massive dance floor. Garba and Dandiya events like “Rangilo Re,” “Shubh Garba Raas,” and “Navratri Bash” attract crowds dressed in vibrant traditional attire, ready to dance the night away.
Themed nights, celebrity performances, and workshops leading up to the festivities show how Pune's Navratri is as much about celebration as it is about community.
