Chicago's Indian-American community concentrates in Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Bartlett, Skokie, Naperville and Hoffman Estates. Navratri 2026 (Oct 11-20) brings Garba, Dandiya, Durga Puja and Bathukamma across Chicagoland.

Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11, 2026 and continues through Vijayadashami / Dussehra on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 per location-based panchang calendars. Local puja and event timings vary by city.

Chicago Indian Community

Greater Chicago has an estimated 180,000+ Indian-origin residents. Concentrations in the west + northwest suburbs: Schaumburg, Naperville, Aurora, Bartlett, Skokie, Wheeling, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Lombard.

Hindu Temples Hosting Navratri Events

  • Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (Lemont) - largest Hindu temple in the Midwest; grand 9-day Navratri
  • BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir (Bartlett) - Gujarati community Dandiya nights
  • Hindu Temple & Cultural Society of Midwest (Bloomingdale)
  • Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple (Aurora)
  • Chinmaya Mission Chicago (Palatine)
  • ISKCON Chicago (Rosemont)
  • Sri Venkateswara Temple (Aurora)
  • Sri Ganesh Temple (Naperville)

Community Associations

  • Gujarati Association of Greater Chicago - major Garba nights
  • Bengali Association of Greater Chicago - Durga Puja pandal
  • Telangana Society of Chicago - Bathukamma + Navratri
  • Tamil Nadu Foundation Chicago - Golu + Saraswati Puja
  • Chicago Marathi Mandal
  • Federation of India Associations (FIA) Chicago - umbrella events

Typical Navratri Events in Chicago

  • Multi-night Garba at Schaumburg Convention Center, Naperville halls, Bartlett Community Center
  • BAPS Bartlett: multi-night Dandiya + Garba
  • Bengali Durga Puja pandals in Schaumburg, Aurora, Skokie (Oct 17-19)
  • Devon Avenue (Little India Chicago) community events
  • Dussehra Ravan Dahan at Schaumburg or Aurora community event (Sat closest to Oct 20)

Find Navratri Events in Chicago 2026

  • Facebook: "Chicago Navratri 2026", "Schaumburg Garba"
  • Eventbrite: "Garba Chicago 2026"
  • Temple websites: HTGC Lemont, BAPS Bartlett publish 2-3 weeks ahead
  • WhatsApp: community groups via Patel Brothers Devon, Sabri Nihari, Indian Bazaar

Practical Tips for Chicago Families

  • Chicago October: 40-60°F - warm jacket essential for evening events
  • Book Garba passes 3-4 weeks ahead
  • Traditional dress: Devon Avenue (Little India) has multiple dress stores; also Naperville Route 59 corridor
  • Parking at HTGC Lemont ample; suburban events have parking
  • Metra trains to Schaumburg, Aurora, Naperville, Lombard for community events
  • Ticketed events $25-50 per adult per night

FAQ

Where is the biggest Chicago temple for Navratri?

Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (Lemont) - Midwest's largest, grand 9-day celebrations.

When is the peak Garba weekend in Chicago?

Oct 17-18 (Ashtami weekend). Book early.

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Where to find Durga Puja in Chicago?

Bengali Association of Greater Chicago Schaumburg pandal is the largest.

Where to buy chaniya choli in Chicago?

Devon Avenue Indian stores, Naperville Route 59 corridor, Schaumburg Indian boutiques.

Disclaimer: Event details change - verify with organizers.