Culture is only truly experienced in India when one becomes part of its various and vigorous festivals. If you’re wondering where to witness and be part of such an event in October, look no further. Buckle up, hold on to your dupattas and dandiyas and travel with us to Ahmedabad where you can celebrate Navratri in its true essence and dance the night away!
Navratri will be celebrated this year on the 1st October until the 9th of October. It praises the idea of womanhood as it was amidst Navratri that Goddess Durga succeeded in overwhelming Mahisasura, the demon. Hence, all the nine nights are committed to worshipping the different forms of Goddess Durga. Each day of the gala begins with the performance of aarti.
History aside, the most well-known feature of this festivity of nine nights is Garba; the folk dance of Gujarat. The best garba is seen at some of these following venues in Ahmedabad, the passes for which have to be booked in advance; ‘Friends Garba’, ‘NID’ , ‘CEPT’ , ‘Kalhaar Bungalow’ & ‘Vasaavri’. You may even be lucky enough to spot some of your very own favourite Bollywood celebrities as they descend in Ahmedabad to try some garba themselves!
Interestingly enough, each region of Gujarat has a different fervour of this festivity! The major difference can be noticed in how the style of ‘ghaghra-choli’ changes as per region. Book another Gozo and head to the Kachchh region to experience the ‘gaamthi’ (translated to- village) Navratri. If you head to Vadodara, the major go-to places are Vadodara Navratri Festival and United Way Baroda Garba Mahotsav.
Last but certainly not the least on a Gujarati’s to-do is to try the ‘fast’ food. Navratri allows you to return to your roots and digress from the day-to-day affair. Get your hands on the limited delicacies of the Navratri fasting period such as; rajgira atta (amaranth flour) pooris, halwa, thalipeeth and laddoos. These can be processed effortlessly. Cannot do the fasting? Simply avoid garlic and onions to permit your body to detox as they produce heat in the body.
Sit back, relax, book a Gozo and return comfortably to your home-town after these endless festive nights!