Sloka, Yashi crowned winners of Fancy dress contest
Jamshedpur, Sep 28: The city of Jamshedpur is witnessing the grandeur of the Durga festival as the Navratri celebrations reach their peak. Known as Mini India for its diverse population, Jamshedpur sees every community celebrate their traditions with enthusiasm.
Among these, the Gujarati community has made the city’s Navratri celebrations lively and colorful through the annual Garba festival organized by the Gujarati Sanatan Samaj.
The festival, which blends devotion to Goddess Durga with cultural performances, attracts participants of all ages. Young men and women lead the celebrations, dancing to hymns and tunes dedicated to Ma Durga, while elders and other community members actively join in the religious chants and festivities.
The Gujarat Bhagini Mandal plays a key role in organizing and coordinating the multi-day event.
The celebrations are structured with thematic programs for each day. Prominent group leaders and teams contributing to the festival include Shubharambh Group led by Jasmine Adesara, Raas Ni Ramjhat by Priyal Vasani, Gurjari Group by Priya Rathod, and Raas Ragini A by Rasilaben Jasani. Other teams like Suryoday Juniors, Killol A, Madhuram A, Raas Ragini B, Thangnat, Sanket & Party, Shakti Swaroopa, and Killol B, led by various community members, are also actively participating.
This year, the Panchami Tithi on Saturday featured a special solo Garba performance along with a fancy dress competition. The winners of the competition were: Group A – 1st: Sloka Patadia, 2nd: Hiragya Adeshra, 3rd: Anika Taunk. Group B – 1st: Yashi Fichadia, 2nd: Vaani Vora, 3rd: Pinka Khemani.
On September 28, participants showcased devotional songs praising Ma Durga, blending traditional hymns with contemporary styles, alongside freestyle Garba performances. For the first time ever Disco Garba was held along with five group performance on Sunday, September 28.
September 29 promises a lively day with both Garba and Dandiya performances adding to the festive spirit.
Ashtami, on September 30, will see the traditional Kumari Puja and a havan starting at 11 a.m., followed by a Devi tableau and evening religious performances. Dashami celebrations on October 1 will include dance and song performances rooted in tradition, culminating in a group Aarti. The festival will conclude on Ekadashi, October 2, with Puja immersion, a Vijayadashami procession, a Maha Aarti at 6:30 p.m., and a flag hoisting ceremony.
The enthusiasm of participants, especially in freestyle Raas Garba, has been remarkable. Young men and women perform in traditional attire under colorful lights, creating a visually stunning and spiritually uplifting atmosphere. Each day of the festival ends with a grand Aarti of Maa Ambe, reinforcing the devotion and reverence of the community.
For the Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, Navratri is more than a cultural event—it is a festival of Shakti worship.
The celebrations aim to connect the younger generation with their traditions, preserve cultural awareness, and strengthen community bonds through joyous devotion and vibrant performances.
