Oct 31, 2011
Navratri has been flagship program for Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta. Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta was probably the first largest association in Southeast, representing the largest group among Asian –Americans.
Navratri is probably most popular cultural-religious event that at tracks people from all ages and all kinds alike. It would be impossible to find an NRI who has not heard of Navratri.
The planning starts from the beginning of the year. In the first half of the year musical group are almost booked. Decorating hall, getting banners from local businesses to advertise their products/ services and other finer details are being worked out a month in advance.
The nine-nights festival, Navratri is broken down into four weekends and celebrated here in Atlanta at Gujarati Samaj. Here at Gujarati Samaj, Atlanta Navratri is celebrated during Fridays and Saturdays only-two weekends prior to actual festival time and two weekends following it.
Gujarati Samaj Atlanta also has kitchen to sell cold and hot beverages and some snacks. Unlike previous years, they did not find anyone to lease their kitchen and they ended up running by volunteers.
Navratri at Gujarati Samaj has been very popular amongst young adults. They all come here in their big groups and play Ras/Garba with their friends. In this economic down turn when people are worried about their jobs and other assets, probably Gujarati Samaj did not make what they used to during their Navratri festival, however, their popularity has remain intact among young adults.
Gujarati Samaj president Shri Chatur Chhabhaya, Navratri convener Shri Ramesh Pandya, Kitchen in charge & Samaj treasurer Ketan & Ami Shah, Samaj secretary Khyati Patel and numerous volunteers all worked too hard to make this event a big success.
(Photographs: Darshn Shah)
-Sanjay Pandya
