Gujarati community of the Steel City is gearing up for the season of Navratri with joy and anticipation. Navratri that marks the victory of the ‘Adishakti’ over demon Mahishasur after a battle which lasted nine days and nights is celebrated with tradition with the thrust on cultural and religious programmes.
Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, a parent body of Gujaratis in the city is organising Navratri utsav at its premises in Bistupur from September 21.
Office bearers of the Samaj said that like every year this year too there would be events to worship Goddess Durga in traditional manner together host of cultural events like ras garba, dandiya and fancy dress competition.
Meanwhile, Jamshedpur Marwari Mahila Manch along with the members of the community is organising ‘Raas Garba Nite’ on the occasion of Navratri. Members of the club would participate in an evening of ras and garba. The event would be organised at Dhalmbhum Club on September 24.
Dressed in typical Gujarati sarees or chaniya choli (A Guju Costume) the members of the community are putting their best foot forward to show their skills in raas, garba and dandiya.
To look different during the event, the Garba enthusiasts are going for designer wares this time. City-based designer Bharati Shah said that Gujarati chainya cholis are much in demand during the season.
Meanwhile, officials of Gujarati Sanatan Samaj said that they were taking care of the basic amenities of the large crowd of devotees descending to premises during the festival. Free food and accommodation at guest houses are being made for the visiting devotees. Cultural and musical programmes performed by amateur and famous artistes are the added attraction of the festival.
Surat Gujarati Samaj is also hosting the traditional nine-day event. Bright lehenga cholis, olourful dandiya sticks, thumping music and a huge spread of Gujarati delicacies — that's what the ongoing Garba festivals in the city are all about.
With over a lakh rich Gujarati samaj of the city say that dandiya shows have been an integral part of Navratri celebrations since the time people from the community started migrating to Jamshedpur with the formation of steel plant.