More than a thousand people are expected to dance the night away in the name of Hindu goddess Durga this month.
The Northern Gujarati Association of Melbourne will host its third annual Festival of Navratri for which association president Nimesh Shah is expecting the biggest turnout yet.
Mr Shah, of Mill Park, says the traditional Indian event honours Durga, the goddess of power.
“I want to create an environment of passion,” he says.
The word ‘navratri’ translates from Sanskrit as ‘nine nights’.
In India, during these nine nights and 10 days of early October, millions of people don colourful high-waisted tops and circular skirts to dance and sing in the streets.
Cities come alive and people go without sleep for days on end, despite fasting throughout the day.
Mr Shah says he hopes the festival will keep the next generation of Indian-born Australians connected to their culture and history.
“As more Indians settle down in the northern suburbs, it’s important to host these events where they can celebrate locally,” he said.
But the festival is not just for Indian families, and Mr Shah is hoping people of all faiths, ages and nationalities will join in.
Melbourne singer Dharmesh Chudasama will perform from 7pm on Saturday, October 17, at La Trobe University’s Union Hall, 1 Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora (via south entry car park). Tickets are $15 (children under five free) and cover both entry and Indian food.
Details: 0412 227 353 or www.yuvagujarat.com.au
