Auckland’s biggest Navratri celebrations that host ten days of continuous garba-Dandiya event have already started and will run until Tuesday, October 8.
Navratri is one of the most auspicious periods of the Hindu calendar in which devotees visit temples, conduct special pujas, observe fasting and celebrate the occasion with dance and music events.
Auckland Indian Association Inc. organises the ten-day Navratri celebration at Mahatma Gandhi Centre that is attended by thousands every night starting Sunday, September 29 until Tuesday, October 8.
“This year we have had a huge response and footfall in almost all days of the event given that the school holidays are going on and it gives the family more time and liberty to attend Navratri event and stay till late,” president of Auckland Indian Association Inc. Narendra Bhana told The Indian Weekender.
The highlight of the event, adding to the massive presence of the men, women and children are four renowned performers who travel from India every year to entertain the attendees.
This year the four performers from India are Ketan Patel, keyboard player who has performed in Wellington for the past three years, singer Dinesh Patel who also performed in Auckland last year, Tabla player Bhavesh Patel and Rupal Nayak, a famous singer who has performed in several high-profiled events and concerts in different parts of India.
“As per our tradition every year, we have these performers from India who bring enormous energy to the auditorium as the audience does rounds of different dances in the Gandhi hall till late in the night,” MrBhana added.
Two things besides the entertainment that draws thousands to the ten-day event are the convenience of parking and delicious and hygienic food cooked in the Mahatma Gandhi Centre kitchen.
“We have ushers to help people park their vehicles, ample space to park cars in the Mahatma Gandhi Complex (front and rear side) and enough street parking in close proximity to the event hall.
“Our food is prepared by highly talented chefs in a hygienic kitchen environment and is served at an affordable price to the visitors.
“Our dining hall is also equally huge as the performance hall where people can roam freely, sit any place of their convenience with their friends and family and enjoy the delicacies,” Narendra Bhana added.
Children’sGarba will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Senior Citizen Garba on Sunday, October 6 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and entry to both these events are free to the public.