A riot of colours is splashed on the premises of Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, the oldest and apex body of the community in the city, with the commencement of Navratri festival. About 16 teams and 700 participants are performing in the nine-day fest that started on September 25.
Dressed in typical Gujarati sarees or chaniya choli, the members of the community are putting their best foot forward to show their skills in Garba and Dandiya. The Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, which has been celebrating Navratri for more than past eight decades, has started their celebrations on a festive note.
This year, the authorities of the Gujarati Sanatan Samaj have decided to focus on Hindu culture of the country. Groups have performed dramas showcasing the rich Hindu culture.
Ramesh Ranpara, a senior functionary of Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, said that they have been organising the traditional ‘dandiya’ and ‘garba’ meets during Navratri for the members of the Gujarati community in the city from more than eight decades from now. He informed that the best of part of the celebration is that people from all communities participate in it.
Sri Surat Gujrati Samaj is also organising Ras Garba and dandia at the Jalaram temple in Bistupur everyday. This also started on September 25 and will continue till, Navami. The programme starts at 9 pm.After performing traditional rituals and paying homage to goddess Durga, crowd bursts into song and dance. The delicacies of the Gujarati community- ‘gathiya’, ‘undhiyu’, ‘phaphra’ and ‘dhokla’ are also part of the traditional festival, which are served during the dance.
“I study in Mumbai but I have come back to my hometown for Navratri,” said Jalpa Mehta, a school student.