Navratri 2024: How celebrations have evolved over the years in Mumbai

Navratri, the nine-night festival celebrating the divine feminine, holds immense cultural and religious significance in India, especially in Mumbai. Over the decades, the way Mumbai has celebrated Navratri has transformed, blending tradition with contemporary trends, while remaining a vibrant expression of devotion. From small community gatherings to large-scale extravaganzas, let's take a journey through how Navratri 2024 celebrations in Mumbai have evolved over the years.

The early days: Intimate and traditional

Navratri celebrations in Mumbai were originally simple, traditional, and rooted deeply in religious customs. In earlier decades, the focus was primarily on prayers, fasting, and intimate gatherings at home or in local temples. Women would gather to recite bhajans (devotional songs) and perform Garba or Dandiya Raas, both folk dances from Gujarat.

In those years, the festivities primarily revolved around devotion and individual worship of the goddess Durga in her various manifestations. Nandita Desai, a senior citizen who has witnessed the evolution of Navratri in Mumbai, recalls: "Back in the 60s and 70s, the festival was less commercial. We would visit each other's homes for Garba and Aarti, and it felt more like a community coming together."

1980s and 1990s: Rise of public celebrations

In the 1980s and 1990s, Mumbai saw a rise in public Navratri celebrations, with large-scale events taking place in various localities. The introduction of professional orchestras and live singers transformed Navratri into a grand social event. People of all ages would gather to dance to devotional songs played by live bands. Garba nights began to be organised on larger scales, with famous singers like Falguni Pathak becoming synonymous with the festival.

This era also marked the rise of the Dandiya Raas culture, where people - dressed in colourful, traditional attire - would swirl to the rhythmic beats of the dhol. The festival was no longer restricted to homes or temples; public grounds across the city became venues for mass celebrations. Asmita Joshi, a Mumbai-based event organiser, mentions, "By the 90s, Navratri had taken on a new avatar. It was no longer just about devotion - it was about celebration, glamour, and music. There was a palpable excitement as more people started getting involved."

2000s: The age of commercialisation

As Mumbai entered the 2000s, Navratri underwent a major transformation, with increasing commercialisation. Bollywood music began to dominate Navratri events, pushing traditional devotional songs to the background. Many organisers saw the profit potential, leading to ticketed events featuring DJs and celebrity performances. High-profile sponsors from the corporate world also started investing in these celebrations, further fueling the grandeur.

Garba and Dandiya Raas became not just a religious expression but also a fashion statement. Designer chaniya cholis and kediyas were the talk of the town. Events were held at large grounds with elaborate decorations, light shows, and modern sound systems, adding a new layer of extravagance. A Mumbai-based fashion designer, shares: "Navratri has transformed into a celebration of glamour. People wanted to look their best, with outfits that would grab attention on social media. It's where tradition met trend."

Recent years: Balancing tradition with modernity

In recent years, Mumbai's Navratri 2024 celebrations have strived to maintain a balance between tradition and modernity. While glitzy, high-energy Garba nights remain popular, there has been a conscious effort to return to the festival's devotional roots. Many local community groups now organise "Eco-Friendly Navratri" to minimise the environmental impact of large events. The use of biodegradable decorations, eco-friendly idols, and less noisy instruments is gaining traction.

The expansion of digital platforms has further introduced a modern element to Navratri celebrations. Virtual Garba nights, live-streamed prayers, and online workshops teaching the art of Dandiya have emerged, making the festival more accessible, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sneha Karnik, a young Mumbaikar, shares, "While we miss the energy of big gatherings, online celebrations have allowed us to participate in the festival even when we couldn't physically attend. It's different, but it's still special."

Cultural significance

The spirit of Navratri 2024 in Mumbai remains as powerful as ever, despite the changes in how it is celebrated. The city, known for its cosmopolitan culture, brings people from different communities together during the festival. The celebration goes beyond religious and cultural differences, bringing together people from all faiths in a shared expression of dance and devotion.

Over the years, Navratri has also evolved into a platform for promoting social causes. Numerous events now highlight women's empowerment, resonating with the festival's tribute to the goddess Durga. In addition, some organisers have used Navratri as an opportunity to promote campaigns around education, health, and environmental conservation.

Evolving with time, holding onto tradition

Navratri celebrations in Mumbai have come a long way - from small community gatherings to large-scale, glamorous public events. Over the decades, the festival has evolved to reflect the city's dynamic nature, blending devotion, music, dance, and even social awareness. Yet, despite the changes, Navratri continues to be a joyous celebration of culture, faith, and togetherness.

As Rita Todankar, a Gurgaon resident, says, "Regardless of how the celebrations evolve, the essence of Navratri stays unchanged - it's about uniting in devotion and joy, honouring the divine feminine and the spirit of community."

Mumbai's Navratri has certainly evolved with the times, yet the core of the festival - devotion to the goddess and the joy of dance - remains constant.