Hundreds celebrate Navratri festival at BU
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/10/2016 (3276 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Under the bright gymnasium lights in Brandon University’s Healthy Living Centre, hundreds of people dressed in vibrant pinks, greens, yellows and blues, move together in a variety of circles and semi-circles, dancing to celebrate Navratri over the weekend.
Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu deity Durga. In India, the festival lasts nine nights, each night filled with live music supporting sometimes 30,000 dancers at a time.
Festivities in Brandon, presented by the Sardar Patel Cultural Group, go for two nights, but the number of dancers don’t disappoint, said Jignesh Patel.
“This is the fourth or fifth year we’ve held the event, and it grows in size every year,” Patel said.
This year, more than 500 tickets to the event were sold.
It’s also a celebration of a female God, Patel said, which also signifies the importance of men and women in society.
“It’s woman power … not like (Donald) Trump,” Patel said with a laugh.
A major aspect of the event is traditional folk dance called “Garba, Raas or Dandiya,” Patel said.
“The dance evolves as the night goes on, it starts slow and then it gets faster. You’ll see different styles of dance as well,” Patel said.
The dancing changes slowly, in one fluid motion made by hundreds of dancers moving as one. Clapping evolves to cheers and arms swaying in the air — waves in a sea of colour.
Rakesh Patel, the first member of his community to move to Brandon, is thrilled to be able to celebrate this tradition in his new hometown.
“Since I’ve moved here, so many people joined our community so now we can arrange these festivals and activities,” Rakesh said. “It’s very important for all the kids who were really little when many of us came here, they probably don’t remember as much from back home. At least they can enjoy it and know what the festivals are.”
Because of the growth of the community, and in turn the growing attendance at celebrations like Navratri, these events are getting harder to plan, Patel said.
“It’s a challenge to find a venue big enough for all of us,” Patel said, adding he’s hoping the event will continue to grow. “It gives the community an idea about the East Indian culture, and why we celebrate."
Rakesh said he’d also like to see Brandon share in the event.
“I want to include more of the community. Whoever wants to come join can come,” Rakesh said.
» edebooy@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @erindebooy
