Ahmedabad, September 29
Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi appealed to the people of the state to dedicate Navratri celebrations to the valour of the Indian Army. He urged both public and private garba organisers to play Operation Sindoor-themed numbers as a mark of respect to the armed forces.
Responding to the appeal made on Sunday, noted folk singer Kirtidan Gadhvi performed a special Operation Sindoor-themed garba in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Earlier, the Chief Minister also attended several garba celebrations across East Ahmedabad, including Vastral, Nikol, Bapunagar, Gheekanta and Dariyapur. His visits included the celebrations at Madhav Homes in Vastral, Shri Khodaldham Ground and Shreenath Society in Nikol, Bahuchar Mata Temple in Bapunagar, the Navratri festival organised by Shri Mahakali Mitra Mandal in Dariapur, and the garba organised by Shri Shiv Shakti Mai Gheekanta Yuvak Mandal in Gheekanta.
The CM was welcomed by organisers and residents at each venue. He participated in the Aarti to seek the blessings of the Goddess and encouraged the enthusiasm of the participants. At the garba festival held at Shrinath Park in Nikol, participants also raised slogans of "Adopt Swadeshi, Make India Self-Reliant (Atmanirbhar)."
Meanwhile, in Gandevi, Navsari, people celebrated Shardiya Navratri with enthusiasm by performing the traditional Dori Raas Garba, a rope-based dance form.
Navratri, also known as Shardiya Navratri, is one of the most vibrant Hindu festivals, dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. The nine-night festival is marked by prayers, fasting, devotional songs, and energetic dance forms such as Garba and Dandiya Raas. In Gujarat, large community gatherings and cultural performances form the heart of the celebrations.
The festive fervour is also reflected in Kolkata, where Durga Puja pandals are drawing attention with themes rooted in artificial intelligence, environmental concerns and evolving family dynamics, blending creativity with devotion.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Operation Sindoor-themed Garba is a wonderful initiative. Our armed forces deserve all the respect and recognition. Good to see CM participating actively in the festivities.
While I appreciate the patriotic spirit, I hope the focus remains on the spiritual essence of Navratri. The festival is about worshipping Maa Durga first and foremost.
The "Adopt Swadeshi, Make India Self-Reliant" slogan during Garba is perfect! This is what true celebration means - combining devotion with national pride. Gujarat setting a great example!
As someone visiting from the US, I'm amazed by how Gujarat celebrates Navratri! The energy, colors, and now this patriotic theme - absolutely incredible experience! ✨
Traditional Dori Raas in Gandevi and modern themes in Kolkata - love how Navratri adapts while keeping its soul intact. That's the beauty of Indian festivals!
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