India Post News Service

ANAHEIM, CA: It was a night filled with gaiety, high spirits and worship at the Anaheim Convention Center this past Saturday Oct 4, as Natoo Patel & Friends of ISSO presented the "Ras Garba 2008" to celebrate Navratri.Navratri, literally meaning nine nights, is a celebration of and devotion to Shaki or the feminine aspect of the Supreme Being.

The festival begins on the first day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month of Ashwin. Navratri is divided into sets of three days, revering the three emanations of Shakti - Durga (Goddess of Power), Laxmi (Goddess of Well Being and Prosperity) and Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom).On each of the nine nights, worshippers venerate Shakti through aarti (prayers), music and special dances called Garba and Dandiya Ras.

In Garba (derived from Garba Deep, meaning inside the earthenware lamp), women dance in concentric rhythmic fashion around pictures or idols of Shakti. Meanwhile, in Dandiya Ras, men and women perform a playful dance with dandiya (sticks) imitating a sword fight.In India, worshippers of all ages come to the festival, clad in traditional garb. If you have ever attended a Ras Garba presented by ISSO, you will definitely feel like you are in India.

Not only, will you find attendees dressed in the latest Indian attire, but you will also get a taste of Indian snacks and beverages, such as samosa, kachori, hot masala chai and even something called Chinese Bhel."It's the traditional Bhel fused with Chinese noodles," mentioned Umakant Patel, one the Friends of ISSO, "we try to bring a taste of India to the people."

It is not a surprise that the Indian youth awaits the ISSO Ras Garba every year. With over 25 years of experience in organizing the event, Natoo Patel & Friends of ISSO know exactly what the masses want, "We make sure we have the best group of singers who would entice the crowd and bring about excitement," mentioned Natoo Patel. "And every year, we have dance competitions encouraging the youth to participate."

Every year, approximately 3500 people attend each Ras Garba night, and this year was no different; the Anaheim Convention Center was filled with nearly 3000 people by 9 pm and the night had just began.Children, youth and even the older generation were all ready to pick-up their sticks and groove to the sounds of Hemant Mehta and Group. "This is our way of encouraging our youth to learn about our traditions," explained Umakant Patel.

"You can see that we have other ethnicities here as well. We present our culture and traditions without forcing it onto others."All the Friends of ISSO work hard to bring the event to fruition, "we are all volunteers here," said Umakant Patel, "we get involved in the event for the love of it, and the results that it brings."

All the proceeds from the event go back to the community through youth programs, medical camps, and educational events.Commencing at 8:30pm, ISSO's Ras Garba carried on 'till the wee hours of the morning. But even at two in the morning, attendees wanted more and didn't want to leave. Good news is, Natoo Patel & Friends of ISSO will be back for two more - this weekend (October 18), the event will be back at the Anaheim Convention Center.