This Navratri which Garba Mahotsav to look forward in Indore

Indore city is all geared up to awaken the ‘Shakti’ this Navratri with gaiety and fervor. Yes, the cleanest city of India, Indore each year welcomes the 9-day Navratri celebrations with colors, music, prayer and yes about for ‘Garba. During the 9-day festival, the city is beautifully decorated with colorful lights. One can find the high level of enthusiasm and the electrifying atmosphere at the pandals that come up on various roads and colonies that reverberate with gala Garba extravaganzas. From the first Garba Mandal of Lal Gali to Abhivyakti Garba and Ras Ullas to Durga Puja of the Bengali Club, the nine-day festival is truly reminiscent of worship of the glory of the Divine Maa Durga in various forms.

From fast to spirituality proclivity, most people quote Navratri as the most powerful days of the year. While a majority of city people choose to observe fast for nine days, others, especially the youngsters, kick-off their major Garba preparations to participate in the nine-day Garba Utsav being organized all around the city. Each day of the fiesta begins with aarti and then a themed dance kicks off with dandiya sticks swaying to the beats of foot thumping music. Not only youngsters but little girls as young as four or five years old are seeing immersed in the Garba mood as an obeisance to Maa Durga.

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Ras Ullas or Race Course Road Garba is considered to be one of the first community Garba festivals in the city. Known for its elegance and simplicity, Ras Ullas has always kept the essence of joyous celebrations of Navratri alive. The color-themed Garba and an exciting crowd have gathered for years to mark the celebration.

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Pankhida Garba organized at the Basketball Complex, Indore is widely known for the appearance of celebrities. The indoor stadium of this garba place features wooden flooring and multi-level seating for thousands of audiences. The festival is being organized by Lok Swami Group since last 19 years.

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Saket Na Garba organized since 1985 is also one the most popular Garba festivals of the city. The participants receive awards for best dancers, dress and in many other categories.

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Nobody can match the scale of festive celebrations with food loving people of the city. In fact, the nine-day celebration goes hand in hand with food festivals. Various Garba celebrations in the city organize food festivals ranging from two to nine days. These food festivals serve dishes especially for people observing the nine-day fast. From traditional delicacies to Sabudana Khichdi, everything is on the platter.

Bengali Club holds its own food fest, where the grounds turn a paradise for non-vegetarian foodies as for Bengalis, Durga Puja is an occasion to binge on kebabs and biryanis. Khichdi Bhog is served every afternoon where hundreds gather to gorge on the specially prepared dish, which is a must for Bengalis worldwide in puja days. Other communities to serve prasad as part of the religious condiment.

All communities, irrespective of their caste, creed or status unite on these nine-days and partake of the merriment that accompanies Navratri. Call it by what name you will celebrate the way you want it, but for Hindus, from north to south, these 9-days remain some of the most pious and sacred days of the year. The celebrations are grand and magnanimous in their scale and scope. Perhaps somewhere it reflects the power of Maa Durga and the importance she holds in our hearts as the destroyer of evil.