Navratri in Himachal & Uttarakhand: A Deep Dive into Hill Temple Celebrations
Navratri, the nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, takes on special significance in the hill temples of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. These ancient hill temples, such as Naina Devi in Bilaspur and Chamunda in Kangra district, attract thousands of devotees during this period.
In the Kullu valley, Sharad Navratri culminates with Kullu Dussehra, a week-long event held annually at the Dhalpur Grounds in Kullu town. This festival is unique as it involves deities from scores of village shrines being carried in palanquins to assemble around the central Raghunath idol. Meanwhile, in Uttarakhand, the Nanda Devi mela in Almora is a key event, stretching beyond religious rites to include folk music, dance, and regional food. The Mansa Devi shrine in Haridwar also draws large congregations with special aartis and thread-tying rituals.
Travel during this period can be slower due to festival crowds. Almora and Nainital connect via the Kathgodam railhead with regular bus and taxi services, but planning for delays is advised. Local deities, not just pan-Indian idols, take pride of place in these celebrations. Kullu is served by Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) airport and by road from Chandigarh/Manali; Naina Devi (Bilaspur) lies off NH corridors and is a short drive up a hill.
Navratri in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is deeply rooted in ancient hill temples and lived village traditions. These celebrations not only renew religious vows but also strengthen social ties among the communities. The upcoming Kullu Dussehra festival in 2026 promises to continue this rich tradition.
