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Keeping the Spark Alive—Navratri and Dussehra Traditions in America
New India Abroad Speaks to Indian Americans about their Navratri and Dussehra traditions.
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Pallavi Mehra - Wed, 01, Oct 2025
- 23:18 EDT
- 18
Indian American Nehi Patel. / Nehi Patel
For Indian Americans, the transition to living in the United States often means finding new ways to connect with and celebrate the festivals that they grew up with. Few festivals embody this spirit of community and joyous preservation more than Navratri and Dussehra.
We spoke to Indian Americans across the country about the annual traditions they eagerly anticipate, revealing how the celebrations of these nine nights and the following day have not only been maintained but, in some cases, elevated in the United States. Here’s what they had to say.
The Enduring Spirit of Garba and Community
For many, especially those from a Gujarati background, Navratri means nights of Garba and Raas, vibrant Indian folk dances. The energy and passion for these dances remain a powerful link to India.
"I grew up in India celebrating Garba and Navratri in my community, even winning prizes for Garba as a child. Nothing has ever matched the energy and joy of those celebrations back home, but after moving to the United States and living in places like New Jersey, Texas, and California, I’ve loved seeing how our culture is still kept alive here,” mentions Nehi Patel, a Texas-based lifestyle content creator. “What makes it even more special is that in America the celebrations stretch beyond the nine nights—artists travel here for multiple weekends, so we get to celebrate for a month or even two. As a true Gujarati, Garba is in my soul, and Navratri will always be my favorite festival of the year.”
This love for Garba and the need for communal gatherings has inspired several large-scale events that bring together thousands, crafting a powerful sense of belonging. Garba Raas Night LA event is a great instance of this phenomenon, focusing not just on the dance but on offering a holistic cultural experience.
“Every year, a big part of the Garba Raas Night LA event entails the mela, which is such a special reminder of why community and culture matter so deeply. Seeing families come together, parents passing down traditions, and little ones discovering the beauty of our South Asian heritage truly fills our hearts with pride,” adds Ami Desai, content creator and co-founder of Garba Raas Night LA. “It was a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the joy of keeping our culture alive for the next generation. And none of it would be possible without our incredible vendors, who bring the marketplace to life with their talent, creativity, and love.”
This sentiment is echoed by her co-founder, who sees Garba itself as an act of unity. “Garba is about community—dancing together in circles, celebrating tradition, and sharing joy. Our hearts are so full after our 4th Annual Garba Raas Night LA! From the rhythm of the music to the vibrance of the mela and the laughter of kids, the night was a true celebration of culture, spirit, and togetherness,” concludes Payal Kadakia Pujji, founder of Class Pass and co-founder of Garba Raas Night LA.
These celebrations, whether they involve community Garba nights going on for weeks or local temples observing Dussehra rituals, function as a cultural anchor. They offer an important space where Indian Americans can come together, celebrate, and cement the bridge between their culture and their American lives.
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