MILPITAS, CA: A very unique and long awaited world famous Navratri festival is coming to the Bay Area in a traditional style. Nine consecutive nights of open-air, fully lighted, under artificial turf traditional Dandia/Garba (traditional Indian mass dance) for the first time in the Bay Area.
Indian calendar month of “Aaso” (Like December in Gregorian calendar) is a month of various celebrations filled with traditions throughout India. Beginning this month, a festival called “Navratri” translated Nine Nights celebrated across the world and state of Gujarat in India, leads the celebration. This year for the first time festival comes to Bay Area in its most traditional form.
Called the Raas Garba Mahotsav, it will be held from September 30 to October 8 at 25 corning Avenue, Milpitas CA. Band Abhishek Patvari and four other artists will be visiting from Ahmedabad, India. Mouthwatering food will be available for purchase. Parking and security facilities will provide the best possible experience.
As it happens, from kids and youth to adults and seniors, everyone from smallest of the villages to metro cities celebrates this unique festival. Age is not a bar. Typically, after sunset everyone gathers at a venue, around the statue of Goddess Amba or Lord Krishna and for countless hours often till early morning plays traditional Garba/Dandia (a form of rhythmic steps moving in a circle by a group) steps to various melodious beats.
Over the last many years festival has become truly global and celebrated across the world specifically in USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Africa and many other countries.
On a religious front, many devotees do fasting for nine days in praise of Goddess Amba and get her blessings.
Here is what Saheli Shah, BAYVP youth tells about it. “Being a teenager of Indian origin in the US, it is hard to find places to embrace our culture and especially meet new people who love to do the same. Garba and Raas is so much fun, for those who have been learning since a young age and those who are learning as they go are sure to join this celebration. Doing same for nine consecutive nights in open-air I have never done and can’t wait to be there and I am sure to bring my friends with me.”
India Post News Service
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