Expatriate communities in Oman are marking Navaratri, the nine-night Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, with a variety of religious and cultural activities across the country. Predominantly observed by Indian, Nepalese, and Bangladeshi nationals residing in the Sultanate, the festivities are held in community centers and auditoriums in cities including Muscat’s Ghala and Darsait neighborhoods, as well as in Suhar and Salalah.

Over the course of nine days, participants engage in daily poojas (prayers), Bommai Golu displays—arrangements of dolls depicting stories from Hindu epics—and classical dance performances. The festival culminates on Vijayadashami, the final day of Navaratri. These events foster a sense of cultural connection among expatriates, many of whom were born or raised in Oman.

Several cultural organizations and temple committees coordinate the programs, which also incorporate workshops designed to teach younger generations traditional art forms such as Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Carnatic music. This educational aspect is seen as a vital means of preserving heritage abroad.

Sreelakshmy, a dance instructor who leads the group ‘Keharwa,’ praised the environment in Oman for facilitating the celebrations. She noted that the support from both the Sultanate and its government has allowed the community to showcase their diverse beliefs and traditions openly.

The Navaratri festivities highlight Oman’s multicultural character, with participants from various linguistic and national backgrounds coming together. The rhythmic beats of the chenda, a traditional drum, and devotional songs resonate throughout the events, underscoring the cultural continuity of the festival far from its South Asian origins.

Navaratri is widely celebrated in India and Nepal, where it is alternatively known as Dashain. In India, regional customs vary widely, including Garba and Dandiya dances in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Golu doll displays in Tamil Nadu, and Ramlila performances in northern states. Hindu communities in Bangladesh also observe Navaratri with prayers, fasting, and public gatherings.

The observance of Navaratri in Oman exemplifies how cultural and religious traditions continue to thrive within diaspora communities, reinforcing identity and unity while adapting to new environments.