Navaratri in Bengaluru: A Festive Journey Through Temples, Golu Displays & Garba
Navaratri in Bengaluru is more than just a celebration—it’s a journey that takes you through the spiritual, cultural, and festive heart of the city. From its ancient temples to vibrant Golu displays and the high-energy Garba nights, the city comes alive in ways that blend tradition with modern excitement. Here’s your guide to navigating the best of Bengaluru during Navaratri 2024.
Morning: Start with Devotion at Bengaluru’s Iconic Temples
Navaratri begins with devotion, and Bengaluru’s temples offer the perfect setting to start your day on a spiritual note. Each temple reflects the deep-rooted traditions that mark this auspicious time of year.
Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, Shankarpuram
Begin your festive journey at the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, a temple dedicated to Goddess Sharada, the deity of knowledge. During Navaratri, the temple buzzes with special rituals and elaborate pujas. The peaceful morning aarti, combined with vibrant decorations and offerings, creates an atmosphere of deep devotion.
Kote Venkataramana Temple, KR Market
Next, head to the Kote Venkataramana Temple near KR Market. Known for its historic architecture and serene environment, the temple hosts beautiful rituals during Navaratri, making it a must-visit. You’ll experience the local tradition of lighting oil lamps, as the temple walls glow with the light of faith.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowd and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of these spiritual landmarks.
Mid-Morning: Explore Bengaluru’s Unique Golu Displays
No Navaratri journey is complete without experiencing the colorful world of Golu—a South Indian tradition that involves displaying dolls on tiered steps, often telling stories of gods, goddesses, and mythological tales.
Golu display
Golu at Raghavendra Mutt, Malleswaram
Start with a visit to Raghavendra Mutt in Malleswaram. Their intricate Golu displays are thoughtfully arranged, showcasing divine stories and cultural themes. With dolls of various sizes, beautifully lit up, the display draws crowds from all over the city.
Community Golu Displays, Basavanagudi
In the heart of Basavanagudi, explore the neighborhood’s community Golu displays. Many families invite visitors to view their Golu setups, which range from traditional to contemporary. The vibrant scenes are often passed down through generations, making it a cultural treasure.
Insider Tip: Look out for Golu displays that mix mythological themes with modern creativity—you’ll find depictions of everything from the Mahabharata to modern Indian life.
Lunch: Relish Traditional Navaratri Meals
After exploring the Golu displays, it’s time to refuel with some Navaratri special delicacies.
Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR), Basavanagudi
Head to the iconic MTR in Basavanagudi, where you can enjoy traditional South Indian meals prepared with a Navaratri twist. Their special thalis include sattvic dishes that are light, healthy, and packed with flavor. Savor rava idli, payasam, and other fasting-friendly options that will keep you energized for the festivities ahead.
Sattvam, Sadashivanagar
For a more contemporary dining experience, try Sattvam, which offers a lavish sattvic buffet. During Navaratri, their menu features fasting-friendly dishes without onion or garlic, like sabudana khichdi, pumpkin kootu, and delectable sweets such as halwa and kheer.
Afternoon: Shopping & Festive Vibes
Navaratri is the perfect time to pick up festive attire, decorations, and traditional items that embody the spirit of the festival.
Commercial Street
Get lost in the vibrant markets of Commercial Street, where you’ll find everything from silk sarees to traditional jewelry. With shops brimming with festive accessories, you can easily find the perfect outfit for Garba or Dandiya nights. Don’t forget to pick up some bangles and colorful dupattas to complete your look!
Chickpet Market
If you’re looking for traditional décor or items to add to your own Golu display, head to Chickpet Market. This bustling bazaar offers everything from handcrafted dolls and rangoli powders to colorful lamps and festive home décor items.
Evening: Dance the Night Away with Garba & Dandiya
As the evening arrives, it’s time to let loose and celebrate Navaratri with dance! Garba and Dandiya events have become hugely popular in Bengaluru, and you’ll find several places to experience the joy of these traditional dance forms.
Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
Join the energetic Garba and Dandiya events at Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath. Known for its cultural heritage, this venue comes alive during Navaratri with traditional Garba tunes, colorful attire, and skilled dancers leading the way. It’s a great spot for both beginners and experienced dancers to celebrate together.
Indiranagar Club
For a more glamorous Garba night, head to Indiranagar Club. This popular venue hosts large-scale Garba and Dandiya events with DJs spinning a mix of traditional and fusion beats. Dress up in your best festive attire and get ready to dance the night away under twinkling lights.
Pro Tip: Book your tickets in advance for these events as they sell out quickly. Don’t forget to bring your dandiya sticks and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll need them for all the dancing!
Late Evening: End the Day with Devotion and Reflection
After a night of high-energy dancing, wrap up your festive journey with a peaceful and reflective end.
Evening Aarti at Banashankari Temple
The Banashankari Temple is an ideal place to conclude your day. The evening aarti, filled with chants and the soft glow of lamps, creates a serene environment perfect for winding down. You’ll feel a deep sense of calm as you reflect on the festivities and connect spiritually to the essence of Navaratri.
Night-Time Prayers at Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham
Alternatively, head back to the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham for their night-time prayers. The temple is beautifully illuminated in the evenings, and the calm atmosphere is perfect for reflecting on the day’s celebrations before heading home.
Stay at UPAR Hotels Indiranagar or Bagmane Tech Park
If you’re traveling to Bengaluru for Navaratri, make your stay convenient and comfortable at UPAR Hotels. For easy access to Garba and Dandiya events in the Indiranagar area, UPAR Hotels Indiranagar offers a prime location with modern amenities at a budget-friendly price. For those who need a central base near both festive spots and business hubs, UPAR Hotels Bagmane Tech Park provides a perfect mix of convenience and comfort, with quick access to key areas of the city.
Navaratri in Bengaluru is truly a journey through devotion, culture, and festivity. With temples to visit, Golu displays to explore, and Garba nights to dance away, this guide will help you experience the very best of what the city has to offer during this vibrant festival.