The North America’s largest Raas-Garba, gathering over 6000 people from all across the GTA, neighbouring and distant cities, kept the crowd dancing energetically throughout the evening. It is their 5^th year at the International Center in collaboration with Hindu Mandir and Cultural Center. In the past five years, the number of organizers and participants has risen significantly.

Geetanjali Musical Group of Toronto Singers:Chandrakant Thaker, Champak Patel ,Vaishaili Bhatt Orchestra: Rohit Parmar,Jignesh Patel,Bhasmag YAgnik,Bharat Gohil,Kirit Patel,Dipin, Thankur,Iqbal Javed,Bhupendra Patel,Ritesh Shah

 Navratri is the cultural festival of Hindus and Raas-Garba is the cultural folk dance of the Gujrati community. However, “people from different cultures, nationalities come to this event feeling united and joyous”. – says Radhi Mehta (participant)  “It is a volunteer based thing and youth are the nuts and bolts for organizing the event out of which 80% were born in Canada” says Amar, one of the key organizers of the event. All the money collected goes towards the Mandir as the organizers make volunteer contributions. This clearly demonstrates how our youth is participating in preserving our culture, heritage and values to their fullest by making their families and loved ones proud. During the festive night, religious ceremony was conducted and prayers towards Maa Durga were conveyed through means of bhajans and gratitude with everbody’s active participation.

Bhumika Patel,Radhi Mehta,Haley Mehta,Deepika Ruhela

It was a hall full of enthusiasts wearing colourful traditional clothes and jewelry, dancing in formations to the live dandia music by Geetanjali Group (established since 1978). The preparations start almost two months in advance and people get most of their traditional clothing and jewelry from India.

For past five years, I take pride in it, it’s our culture” It is an event for everybody” – Vijay Rana (student at McMaster)

Nilima living in Canada since last 21 years says she feels more energy over here than in India. Navaratri is the holiest occasion for Hindus. It is synonymous to Dusserra in terms of its significance of the victory of good over evil.

 Everyone looks forward for this event and enjoys it with great deal of enthusiasm and energy. People even take days off during this festive time. “I never miss this event, the event is simply great, musical and fun” – says Anita (claim adjuster).

Radhi Mehta,Karan Oberoi

“It is a great socializing family event with absolutely no alcohol” – says Janak Shah (organizer). “It is a great religious, maha crowd mela where people see each other, meet each other, network with each other and discuss business as well” – says Chndrakant Thanker ( lead singer of the Geetanjali Group).

Author: Staff Reporter