Archive · 9 Oct 2026
Navratri Preparations Bring Tattoos and Dollmaking Across India
People in India are getting ready for Navratri, a festival that celebrates Goddess Durga.
In Ahmedabad, some young people are choosing temporary tattoos of Captain Smit Machhar.
Others are choosing designs inspired by the Commonwealth Games planned for Ahmedabad in 2030.
In Vilachery, near Madurai, artisans are making colourful dolls for the festival.
More than 200 local families make these dolls.
Navratri 2026 starts on October 11.
It ends on October 20, a day called Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
The festival lasts nine days and celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
Young people in Ahmedabad are choosing temporary tattoos honouring Captain Smit Machhar for Navratri.
Some Ahmedabad residents are also getting tattoos inspired by the 2030 Commonwealth Games, scheduled for the city.
In Vilachery, Madurai, artisans are making Kolu dolls and other traditional figurines ahead of the festival.
More than 200 families in Vilachery are involved in doll-making, continuing a longstanding local craft.
Navratri 2026 begins with Ghatasthapana on October 11 and ends with Vijayadashami on October 20.
- Who
- Young people in Ahmedabad and artisans from more than 200 families in Vilachery are preparing for Navratri.
- What
- Preparations include temporary tattoos in Ahmedabad and the making of Kolu dolls and traditional figurines in Vilachery.
- When
- Navratri 2026 runs from October 11 to October 20.
- Where
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and Vilachery in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- The tattoos and dollmaking are part of preparations for Navratri; the dolls also continue a local craft.
- Festival
- Sharad Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms, the Navadurga.
- Start date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026, with Ghatasthapana.
- End date
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra.
- Ahmedabad tattoo designs
- Temporary tattoos honouring Captain Smit Machhar and designs inspired by the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
- Commonwealth Games
- The 2030 Games are scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad.
- Vilachery dollmaking
- Artisans are making colourful Kolu dolls and other traditional figurines.
- Families involved
- More than 200 families in Vilachery are engaged in doll-making.
