Navratri 2024: Five fantastic Garba events happening in Manchester

As the sun sets on Thursday evening, thousands of Hindus across Greater Manchester will come together to begin celebrating the nine-day long festival of Navratri.

Navratri, which means ‘nine nights’ in Sanskrit, celebrates the triumph of the Hindu goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. For Hindus, Navratri is a chance to reflect on the inevitable victory of goodness over evil, and to celebrate the goddess herself, who personifies ‘shakti’, the universal power that sustains all existence.

Devotees celebrate each evening of Navratri by dancing ‘garba’, a folk-dance originating from the Indian state of Gujarat which sees groups of participants dance in circles. The basic steps are easy for beginners to pick up, involving clapping and the clacking of sticks called ‘dandiya’ between dancers, although the pace inevitably picks up as the evening continues.

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Garba functions are held in temples and community halls across Greater Manchester. We've put together a list of some of this year’s biggest events, including one perfect for beginners.

Wythenshawe Forum

The organisers of this event first held it at Platt Fields in 1993, and since then it has grown into one of the largest Navratri celebrations in Manchester. After more than a decade in the Wythenshawe Forum venue, this event attracts over five hundred people every evening.

With a live band from India and food available to purchase, festivalgoers will need to arrive early to snag a ticket on the door. You can read more here.

3-12 October, Tickets on the door

Stretford Town Hall

This venue will host celebrations for one night only, and this year the function will begin with a class for beginners. After the hour-long class, the evening will continue with group dancing and a programme of live performances. Food will be available for purchase later on, a useful opportunity for less-seasoned dancers to take a break. You can book tickets here.

12 October, £10 booking/£12 on the door

Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham

This event will take place at the spacious Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham town centre. With live performers flown in specially from India and vegetarian catering from Sanskruti restaurant, there's certainly expected to be plenty to enjoy. Season tickets are still on sale for this event, at £35 for all nine evenings. More information can be found here.

3-12 October, £4 weekdays/£8 weekends

Veda Mandir, Bolton

The garba at the Veda Mandir in Bolton will be accompanied by live music. Thanks to its setting in a Hindu temple, attendees will have two opportunities each evening to participate in ‘aarti’, a ritual offering to the goddess Durga. More here.

3-11 October, £11

Bolton Indian Sports Club

With live music, catering by local restaurant Spice & Spirits, and no up-front ticket price, this event is perfect for those on a budget.

The sports club also plays host to celebrations of Dussehra, which occurs on the tenth day marking the end of Navratri. On 12th October, crowds will gather to watch the burning of a large effigy of Ravana, a demon in Hindu mythology who is slain by the god Rama, as well as a firework show. You can find out more here.

3-11 October, Free