Navratri takes place for nine days a year and is observed by all Hindus across India. It is celebrated after monsoons during autumn and the period is also called Sharad Navratri.
People across India as well as Indians living all over the world observe fasts and celebrate over the nine days.
Bengalis all over the country celebrate Durga Pujo and the temples are adorned beautifully and gorgeous pandals are made with idols of the goddess and delicious food along with fun activities are enjoyed during the puja.
The best temples to visit in India this Navratri and Durga Puja are given below.
Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh
Naina Devi Temple is located in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh and is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. Naina Devi is considered one of the 51 shakti peeths. According to the legend, Lord Shiva was carrying the burnt body of Sati, Goddess Sati’s eyes fell here, and hence the name of the temple is Naina Devi.
Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati, Assam
This temple is located on the hills of Nilachal in Guwahati. It is dedicated to Kamakhya Devi and many tantric practices also happen here. During Durga Puja, the Ambubachi Mela hosted here is very popular and visited by many people.
Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Kolkata
This famous Kali Temple is located on the bank of the Hooghly River in Dakshineswar in Kolkata, dedicated to Goddess Bhavtarini, who is an incarnation of Goddess Kali. If one visits or is in Kolkata during Navratri, this temple deserves a visit.
Karni Mata, Deshnok, Rajasthan
Karni Mata is located in a small town in Rajasthan called Deshnok and is dedicated to Karni Mata, who is said to be an incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is also called ‘Temple of Rats’ and almost thousands of holy rats are found here.
Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra
This is also one of the 51 Shakti Peeths. It is located in Kolhapur in Maharashtra and a 3 feet idol has been installed in this temple and it is made of precious black stone. It is another popularly visited temple in India.
Kalkaji Temple, Kalkaji, Delhi
The Kalkaji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali or Shakti. It is apparently the replica of Vaishno Devi and is visited by thousands of devotees all through the year, and doubles in the numbers during Durga Pujo. There is a belief that people who believe in this goddess attain everything they want in life.