Gujarati Garba meets Japanese & Korean Elegance at Navratri celebrations
Cultural integration: A group of Japanese and Korean women from the "Chhel Chabili" group added a global flavor to the festivities by dancing aptly to Garba tunes during the event organized by Shree Gujarati Samaj Gurgaon here.
GURUGRAM: For the Gujarati community in Gurugram, the ongoing Navratri Mahotsav celebrations is going to be unforgettable as the event tasted the global flavor with Japanese and Korean women joining the event and dancing to the scintillating beats of the traditional Gujarati Garba as apt as the natives would do. Among the many thrilling performances, the Japanese and Korean women members of the “Chhel Chabili” group stole the spotlight with their incredible Garba dance performance.
The occasion was the vibrant evening of the ongoing 17th annual SGSG Navratri Mahotsav when Gurgaon’s Gujarati community experienced a fusion of cultures that left a lasting impression of global unity and celebration. Shree Gujarati Samaj Gurgaon (SGSG), an organization of the people of Gujarat state staying in Gurugram is hosting this grand event, the 17th annual Navratri Mahotsav from October 15 to 23.
The SGSG Navratri Mahotsav, a nine-day extravaganza, has been a cornerstone event for the thriving Gujarati community in Gurgaon since 2006. It has been a platform for celebrating the spirit of Navratri, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat, and fostering a sense of togetherness within the community. This year marked the 17th edition of the event, and it lived up to its reputation of being an authentic and energetic Garba extravaganza.
However, this year’s Navratri Mahotsav is different as Japanese and Korean women clad in traditional Gujarati Garba attires joined the celebrations and made it an event with cultural integration.
Avinash Trivedi, General Secretary of Shree Gujarati Samaj Gurgaon, said, “What set this year’s celebration apart was the delightful performance by “Chhel Chabili,” a group primarily consisting of Japanese and Korean women living in Gurgaon. Led by the dynamic Ajiki Kaori, a Zumba instructor, the group embarked on a remarkable journey to master the high-intensity and energy-packed Garba dance, with an impressionable display of panache and dedication.”
The highlight of the evening was also the overwhelming support and cheers from the Gujarati community, that encouraged the Chhel Chabili group with enthusiasm at every beat. This heartening display of unity and appreciation exemplified the essence of cultural harmony that SGSG strives to promote.
According to Avinash Trivedi Gurugran has the presence of about 1000 Gajarati families and SGSG has been organizing many events for the community since the year 2006. These include Sneh Milan, Nav Varsh Milan (Bestu Varsh), Holi Milan, and others throughout the year.
He expressed his delight with the event and its significance. He emphasized, “SGSG is dedicated to preserving and promoting Gujarati culture, heritage, and values. He said, “The Navratri Festival is one of our flagship events, bringing people together not just from the Gujarati community, but from all sections of society. SGSG acts as a bridge, connecting Gurgaon with Gujarat, and this performance by Chhel Chabili exemplifies our commitment to fostering cultural harmony.”
The Chhel Chabili group was equally thrilled to perform in front of an authentic Garba-loving audience, and they were overjoyed by the warm reception they received. Their performance truly transcended cultural boundaries, creating a beautiful synergy between East Asian and Gujarati traditions.
The SGSG Navratri Mahotsav 2023 has not only captivated the hearts of Gurgaon residents but also drawn attendees from across the Delhi NCR region. It has become a symbol of unity and cultural exchange, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate the joyous festival of Navratri.
This remarkable event once again proves that cultural diversity can be a unifying force, transcending borders and bringing people together in a celebration of life and tradition. SGSG, with its commitment to preserving and promoting Gujarati culture, continues to be a catalyst for bridging cultures and fostering unity in Gurgaon.
