Navratri is a Hindu festival, that spans over nine nights ten days, and is celebrated every year during autumn. It is observed differently in different parts of India. In the UK, Navratri has always been a much-celebrated occasion with raas garba organised by many organisations. It is equally popular among young Indians and this year Navratri starts from 17 October and goes on till 25 October.
BBC Asian Network’s Parle Patel has been brining young listeners the biggest Navratri vibes over the years. On 1 October he tweeted, “Are you British and Asian, Indian, Gujarati, Hindu or Jain? Is Navratri religiously, spiritually, culturally, socially important to you? Like this tweet &RT! I'm going to do our best to be seen in the UK media this season. Its officially Navratri month, Jai Ambe, Eh Halo!”
This year, with the pandemic robbing people off their normal lives, Navratri will not be observed traditionally. But many organisations are organising virtual Navratri to ensure that tradition and community spirit remain strong among those celebrating.
Velji Vekaria, from SKLPC (UK) told Asian Voice, “We organise the largest Navratri festival in Europe and this year would have been no different. However, due to Covid 19 restrictions in place, this year’s festivities have been cancelled. But SKLPC (UK) has organised FREE online Navratri Daily Darshan on the following dates: Mataji Aarti – 17th to 25th October, Dussehra Aarti – 26th October, Sharad Poonam Aarti – 29th October. The daily Aarti will commence at 8pm (UK time). Please visit www.sklpc.com/navratri for further information on how to take part.
"Online Aarti donation will be accepted, so please visit www.sklpc.com/donate for that. Aarti donation funds will be donated to St Luke’s Hospice Harrow & Haven House Children’s Hospice Essex.”
Marathi Ladies UK is presenting their online Garba on 23 October at 5pm. They are also doing a Garba workshop on this Sunday from 6:30pm.
On the other hand, London Sharad Utsav last weekend organised an online/virtual mela, to help people get ready for Durga puja festivities.
