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 will be performing in the nine-day fest that started on October 5. Dressed in typical Gujarati sarees or chaniya choli, the members of the community are putting their best foot forward to show their skills in raas, garba and dandiya. The Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, which is celebrating navratri for the past 85 years, have started their celebrations.
This year, the authorities of the Gujarati Sanatan Samaj have decided to focus on Hindu culture of the country. Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, groups have performed dramas showcasing his life and 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 went on to inform that samaj also organises competitions in dandidya and raas garba in different categories and the winners are felicitated on the occasion of 'dashehra.
On the other hand Sri Surat Gujrati Samaj is also organising Ras Garba and dandia at the Jalaram temple in Bistupur everyday. This too started on October 5 and will continue till October 13, Navami. Men and women perform garba and dandiya that starts at 9 at night. Here prasad is also distributed to the visitors.
Marwari Yuva Manch, Steel City branch will also organise Rangeelo Dandia Night 2013 on Oct 10 at Nicco Jubilee Amusement Park. A group of 20 people from Gujarat will be performing along with a group from Kolkata. DJ Shaan from Mumbai will enthrall the crowd.