Pragati holds devotional fundraising event

By: Abiola Odutola Posted: 3:00 AM CST Monday, Nov. 6, 2023

Pragati, Indian Cultural Association, held its devotional fundraising event at the Manitoba Room, Keystone Centre on Saturday evening with a rhythmic celebration of Garba Mahotsav. The event, featuring renowned musician Atul Purohit and his Rutumbhara group, showcased the spirit of devotion and community through the traditional dance form of Garba.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/11/2023 (729 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Indian Cultural Association co-founder and director Nidhi Patel explained that Garba, which is traditionally associated with the Navaratri festival in India, holds a special place in the hearts of those celebrating the event in Brandon.

Patel, shed light on the significance of Garba, saying, “Garba is normally associated with the Navaratri festival in India, an annual Hindu festival observed in honour of the goddess Durga.

Participants perform the traditional dance of Garba at the Keystone Centre during a fundraiser by Pragati, Brandon’s Indian Cultural Association, on the weekend. See A2 for a story and more photos. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)

“It is a community folk dance event that revolves around rhythmic dancing in circles around the main deity Goddess Durga or Goddess Amba,” Patel told the Sun. “The songs sung during Garba mimic praises for the goddess and seek her blessings for a prosperous year ahead.”

Here in Brandon, Patel said the event was organized after Navratri due to venue availability, adding that Purohit, who led the evening’s festivities, had to fly with his band from India to make this event truly special.

Speaking about the community’s aspirations, Patel said, “Our goal is to raise money to build our community centre in Brandon. We aim to create a space that can accommodate the growing community’s needs. Tonight, we have about 2,000 people here, which shows the importance of such a facility.”

She added that the event not only celebrates culture but also serves as a fundraiser to support Pragati’s community-centred development initiative. “Pragati was founded to raise money for our community centre. We started with ticket prices at $35 and raised them in different phases to ensure wider participation. Tonight, at the door, the tickets were $60,” she said.

Anuj Purohit, a participant in the event, also explained that Garba is not just a dance but a traditional dance form from the western part of India, and it’s a fun festival that brings people together to dance in unison.

(Left to right): Pragati - The Indian Cultural Association co-founders and Directors, Krunal Panchal, Nidhi Patel and Maulin Patel dancing at the event.

“It’s a great way to connect with our culture. Garba Mahotsav not only brings the community together but also paves the way for a brighter, more culturally connected future for the young generation growing up in Brandon,” Purohit said. “Many young kids who were born here have never had the chance to experience their own country’s culture. This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with our roots.”

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