The nine nights of Navratri are the most favourite, and looked forward to days for anyone in Gujarat. Irrespective of where they come from, or what their occupation or religion is, the entire state of Gujarat lit up in the festive mode, the smell of joy in the air, steps matching with steps, and people dancing their hearts out, in devotion and in ecstasy.

Cities like Ahmedabad, Surat and Baroda host few of the biggest garba celebrations, where revelers thong in, and dance their hearts out. In Surat, AMZ has been known to host the biggest of the Navratri celebrations since years. Until a couple of years ago, the garba used to be organized at the Indoor Stadium, which was then shifted to the convention center in Sarsana since the last two years. This year, AMZ has created a massive air conditioned dome at Suvarnabhoomi Party plot, for its Navratri celebrations. “We wanted to take things to a different level, and put up the biggest show that Surat has ever seen” said Hiren Kakadia, one of the Co- organizers of the festival. Hiren Kakadia is a name synonymous to Navratri in Surat. He has been organising Navratri in Surat since almost 20 years.

One of a common scene at such events is the presence of certain groups, each consisting of anything between 40-100 people. Ever since the garba celebrations have started being held at large venues in Surat, these groups have always made their presence felt, competing fiercely against one another, fighting for the top most prizes and acclamations. One of the most famous groups amongst them is Bhavin Kadhiwala’s Bhavin’s Millennium Garba Group.

While growing up, Bhavin Kadhiwala used to be one of the most celebrated performers of this folk dance. In the years that followed, he decided to also impart his knowledge to the upcoming generations, along with pursuing the art form, and this is how BMGG came into existence.

One of the best such institutes in the city, BMGG starts its batches almost 3 months prior to Navratri, and people, irrespective of their age, come and join in big numbers. This year, BMGG has seen more than 1000 garba enthusiasts signing up, so as to be on their top game during Navratri.

With a lot of joy and devotion, Surat gears up for yet another nive marvelous days of Navratri.

Dance your hearts out, till your legs ache, because we all know how much we will miss them once they are gone.

Pic Courtesy : 50mm Media Productions