Garba And Dandiya -2020

 No Garba, Dandiya this year (2020), 

Gujarati Samaj to perform Simple Rituals

Samaj to perform simple rituals, entry to be restricted 

For the first time in its 100 years of history, Gujarati Sanatan Samaj, a parent body of Gujaratis in the city has decided not to organise Navratri utsav at its premises in Bistupur. The decision has been taken in view of the spread of coronavirus.

“Though the final guidelines from the State Government are awaited we have decided not to organise the annual Navratri Ustav this year, which is scheduled from October 17 to 25. We will have simple rituals with limited gathering only,” said an official of Gujarati Sanatan Samaj.

He said that like every year this year too there would be rituals to worship Goddess Durga in traditional manner but we will not have ras garba, dandiya and fancy dress competition that is organised every year. The safety of the members is a major concern for them. Entry of the members will be restricted. Dashera all over the world 

“Members of our community look forward every year to this utsav. Dressed in their traditional attires, people would perform ras garba on the tunes of Gujarati folk songs. But this time we will just organise simple rituals with limited gathering. The premises will be sanitized and the members will be asked to maintain social distancing,” said an official.

Officials of Gujarati Sanatan Samaj said that die-hard Navratri revelers would take part in various competitions that are slated during the festival. These range from best male and female dancers, best costumes, best steps, etc for which prizes are given.

“Such is the rage of the festival that many even travel to Gujarat weeks before the festival to buy the costumes and jewellery worth for the season but we have asked the members to keep the festival simple,” said a senior functionary. 

“Garba of Gujarat is the most popular women’s folk dance of Gujarat. Today it is a social dance at all the levels of society. However, this year even states of Maharastra and Gujarat have cancelled the celebration,”

“Gujarati people follow typical rituals by getting 'Garbo' which is a small pot made up of sand very well decorated with colors and other decorative stuff and call it 'Mataji’ which means Goddess named ‘Ambema’. As Gujarati's keep a small 'Diva' (Small Candle type Fire light) inside the ‘Garbo' which has several holes inside for air ventilation,” said she informed. FESTIVALS