Jamshedpur: A riot of colours is splashed at 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.
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 more eight decades, have started their celebrations.
This year, the authorities of the Gujarati Sanatan Samaj have decided to focus on Hindu culture of the country. 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 dandiya and raas garba in different categories and the winners are felicitated on the occasion of �dussehra.
On the other hand Shri Surat Gujarati Samaj is also organising Ras Garba and dandia at the Jalaram temple in Bistupur everyday. This too started on Sept 25 and will continue till, Navami.
Men and women perform garba and dandia that starts at 9 at night. Here prasad is also distributed to the visitors.
Once sun sets, thousands of Navratri enthusiasts dressed in their traditional wear flock to Navratri Mandals in anticipation of fun, frolic and loads of colour.
After performing traditional rituals and paying homage to goddess Durga, crowds burst 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.
�We look forward to Navratri every year. It is that time of the year when we make new friends and offer them an insight into our culture.
We also take the opportunity to display our talents,” said Payal Mehta, a school student.
Navratri marks the victory of the adishakti over demon Mahishasura after a battle which lasted nine days and nights.
In the city the celebrations are more traditional with the thrust on cultural and religious programmes with the Bengali community adding another dimension to the celebrations by organising their traditional Durga Puja.