Durga Navratri is celebrated with colourful fairs and festivals all over Madhya Pradesh. Navratri, the nine nights festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, is observed in the Hindu month of Ashwin (September – October), before Dussehra. Dussehra marks the conclusion of the festival. Goddess Shakti is worshipped during 9 days of Navratri. Durga Navratri 2011 begins on September 28 and ends on October 6.
Navratras in Madhya Pradesh are generally dedicated to Goddess Ujjain Mahakali, the prominent Astadasha Shakti Peeth. Devotees in large number throng to the temple of Ujjain during Navratri to worship her and to receive blessings from her. They perform ritual bath in the Shipra River in Navratri days. Garba Ras dance is the main attraction of these nine days. Ujjain, Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Bhilai are the important cities where Navratras are celerbated with style and passion. Durga Navratri is celebrated with colourful fairs and festivals all over Madhya Pradesh.