the "major festival of the year".
Celebrations for Navratri are set to take place across Manchester and the North West.
Running until October 20, 2026, the festival celebrates the Hindu goddess Durga and her battle against the demon Mahishasura.
The festival marks the triumph of good over evil and is one of the most important celebrations in the Hindu calendar.
Communities will mark the occasion with dancing, gift-giving, lights and food, including in Oldham, where the Indian Association is hosting free events throughout the festival.
Bharat Kumar Sisodia from the Indian Association in Oldham described Navratri as the “major festival of the year”.
He explained how Durga took different forms during her battle with Mahishasura.
He said Goddess Durga “became nine different forms, and each day represents her different powers”.
Navratri concludes with Dussehra, which celebrates good overcoming evil as Durga defeats Mahishasura.
This victory signifies the restoration of peace, Sisodia explained, meaning that “peace across the world was restored”.
While Navratri includes prayers, singing and the exchange of gifts, dancing is central to its celebrations.
Sisodia added: “In all festivals we have lights, sweets, gifts, prayers and singing, but this particular festival is nine days of dancing.”
Two traditional dance forms associated with Navratri are Garba and Raas Dandiya.
Garba involves participants dancing in circles around an idol of Durga, while Raas Dandiya sees partners strike pairs of decorated wooden sticks together in time with the music.
For Sisodia, the dancing also provides an opportunity for people to feel connected through their shared faith and community.
He said that during the dancing, “you feel that you are all connected with the divinity, and everyone else”.
Beyond its religious significance, the festival brings people together through shared traditions and celebrations.
He said: “It is a nice social gathering, where the community just gets together.”
The Indian Association in Oldham is holding free Navratri celebrations daily from 7 pm to 11 pm at Shree Radha Krishna Mandir on Schofield Street until Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Navratri Festival Association Manchester are running several events to mark the festival.
This includes a Bollywood garba night, which will take place on October 20 at The Wythenshawe Forum.
