Navratri & Garba 2026 in Columbia: Events, Puja & Where to Celebrate

TL;DR

• 🗓️ Sharad Navratri 2026 runs October 2–11, with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 11
• 🛕 Columbia has two active Hindu temples — the Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of South Carolina and Sri Dasavathara Venkateswara Swami Temple — both of which host religious observances during Navratri
• 💃 Garba and Dandiya Raas evenings are organized in the greater Columbia area during the festival by local community groups
• 🙏 The festival honors nine forms of the goddess Durga, with each day carrying its own color, puja, and significance
• 🔔 Check with local temples and community groups early — Columbia is a smaller Desi market and events can fill fast or shift dates

Sharad Navratri — the nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga — is one of the most joyful and musically alive observances in the Hindu calendar. Across South Asian diaspora communities in the United States, it is also the festival most associated with Garba and Dandiya Raas: the circular folk dances that fill community halls on autumn evenings, often drawing large crowds dressed in traditional chaniya choli and kurta pajama.

For Columbia's Indian American community, 2026 marks another Navratri to celebrate in South Carolina's capital. This guide covers the festival's significance, what to expect locally, and where to connect with organizations hosting observances.

Navratri 2026: Dates and Significance

Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Friday, October 2, and runs through Sunday, October 11, when Vijayadashami — also known as Dussehra — is observed. The nine nights celebrate nine manifestations of Devi, with each day associated with a color, a form of the goddess, and specific puja practices. The first three days honor Durga, the next three honor Lakshmi, and the final three honor Saraswati.

In North Indian and Gujarati traditions, Navratri is also the time for Garba and Dandiya Raas — the folk dances that have become one of the most widely attended Indian cultural events in the United States, drawing not just Hindu participants but Indian Americans of all backgrounds and frequently non-Indian neighbors and colleagues as well.

Ghatasthapana, the ritual installation of a clay pot representing the goddess, marks the start of the festival on October 2. Many families observe daily prayers, light diyas, and follow the color of the day throughout the nine nights, whether or not they also attend a public Garba event.

Hindu Temples in Columbia, SC

Columbia's Indian American community is served by two established Hindu temples, each with a distinct tradition.

Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of South Carolina

The Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of South Carolina, located on Kiawah Road in Columbia, is one of the primary Hindu institutions in the state. The temple hosts religious observances for major Hindu festivals throughout the year, including puja programs and community gatherings during Navratri. The temple features beautifully crafted idols of Hindu deities, including the Navagrahas, and serves as a gathering point for Columbia's Hindu families. Follow the temple's Facebook page or visit the website at hindutemplesc.org for updates on their 2026 Navratri schedule as October approaches.

Sri Dasavathara Venkateswara Swami Temple and Cultural Center

Sri Dasavathara Venkateswara Swami Temple and Cultural Center, located at 9554 Two Notch Road in Columbia, is a South Indian-tradition temple with Sri Dasavathara Venkateswara Swamy as the main deity, along with Sri Shiva parivar and Sri Saibaba. The temple has a strong community-service focus, with volunteers active in organizations including SEVA International and SCAPI — the South Carolina Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. During Navratri, South Indian temple traditions include special daily puja observances, with Saraswati Puja on Ashtami and Vijayadashami programs on the final day. Visit sdvstccsc.org for their 2026 calendar.

Garba and Dandiya in the Columbia Area

Columbia is a smaller Desi market than Charlotte or Atlanta, but the Indian American community here has consistently organized Navratri Garba and Dandiya evenings. These events are typically put together by community groups, cultural associations, or temple committees and are announced through local Desi networks, WhatsApp groups, and platforms like Sulekha Events, AllEvents.in, and Facebook community pages.

The format for most Navratri events in smaller American cities follows a familiar pattern: a community hall or banquet space is rented for one or more evenings during the nine days, dhol players or a DJ plays Garba songs, and attendees dance in concentric circles. Traditional food stalls — with items like batata vada, dhokla, or fasting-friendly snacks — are often part of the setup.

For Columbia specifically, check the Desi.Net city page for Columbia, SC, which lists Indian community organizations and event announcements updated throughout the year.

Insider Tip: Navratri attire matters to many participants — chaniya choli for women, kurta or dhoti kurta for men. If you are attending your first Garba night in Columbia and are unsure what to wear, ask in a local Desi Facebook group. The community is generally welcoming and happy to guide newcomers on dress and dance basics.

Navratri at Home: Puja and Daily Observances

For Indian American families who prefer a home-based Navratri, 2026 offers the full nine nights for daily puja. Ghatasthapana marks the opening on October 2. Many families observe daily prayers, light diyas, follow the color of the day, and read or listen to Durga Saptashati passages through the nine nights.

Indian grocery stores in Columbia and the broader midlands area stock Navratri puja items — diyas, kumkum, turmeric, flowers, and puja kits — in the weeks before the festival. Confirm availability and hours before you go, as stock is often limited closer to the start date.

For South Asian grocery staples and specialty items in Columbia, local community Facebook groups and the Desi.Net Columbia city page are useful for current store recommendations.

What to Wear and What to Bring

For Garba nights: traditional attire is the expectation at most events, not just a suggestion. Women typically wear chaniya choli, lehenga, or salwar kameez in festive fabrics and colors. Men wear kurta pajama or dhoti kurta. Comfortable footwear that can be removed easily is practical, as many events are held in spaces where shoes come off.

For temple puja: modest, clean attire is appropriate. Many attendees dress in traditional clothing for the evening puja sessions, but the temples welcome all who come respectfully dressed.

FAQ

Q: When is Navratri 2026? A: Sharad Navratri 2026 runs from Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 11. Vijayadashami falls on October 11.

Q: Is there a Garba event in Columbia, SC for Navratri 2026? A: Community-organized Garba and Dandiya evenings have been held in Columbia in past years. Check local Desi Facebook groups, Sulekha Events, and the Desi.Net Columbia city page for announcements as October approaches.

Q: What Hindu temples in Columbia host Navratri observances? A: The Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of South Carolina and Sri Dasavathara Venkateswara Swami Temple and Cultural Center both serve Columbia's Hindu community and host festival programs. Contact them directly for 2026 Navratri schedules.

Q: What is the dress code for Garba? A: Traditional attire — chaniya choli or salwar kameez for women, kurta for men — is the norm at most Garba events. Specific requirements vary by event; check with the organizers ahead of time.

Q: Can non-Hindus attend Navratri Garba events? A: Most community Garba events in the United States are open to all, regardless of religious background. They are cultural as much as religious celebrations, and non-Indian guests frequently attend and participate.

Bottom Line

Columbia's Indian American community marks Navratri each year, with the Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of South Carolina and Sri Dasavathara Venkateswara Swami Temple providing spiritual grounding, and local community groups organizing Garba and Dandiya evenings during the nine nights. Sharad Navratri 2026 runs October 2–11 — confirm all event dates and hours before you go, as schedules are typically confirmed a few weeks out. For a full directory of Indian organizations, businesses, and events in Columbia, visit the Desi.Net city page for Columbia, SC.