Vashi is all prepared and set to partake in the Garba festivities during the nine nights of Navratri. Anil Kaushik Samajik Prathisthan is celebrating its 9th year of hosting the long-held tradition of Garba dance. The venue for the Garba festival is located at Desh Bhakt Babu Genu Maidan at Sector 17, Vashi.

Garba is an integral part of the Navratri festival, a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of the goddess Durga. The dance is performed over a period of nine nights, and each night signifies the worship of a different form of the goddess Durga. It features energetic and colourful dance performances by men and women, who form concentric circles or lines and dance to the beat of traditional music.

While speaking to Newsband, Anil Kaushik - President of Navi Mumbai Congress Committee and former Deputy Mayor said, “This is the 9th year of our Garba celebrations at Anil Kaushik Samajik Samajik Prathisthan. What is unique about our garba mandal is that we have a devi statue which is made entirely out of silver. The devi and the garbi (clay pot) are both present on the garba stage. There is no visarjan of the devi, but instead, there is a visarjan of the garbi on the auspicious day of Dussehra.”

He added, “This is one of the biggest and most popular garba venues in Navi Mumbai. Over 15,000 to 18,000 people visit this ground during the nine days of Navratri. It is a favourite spot among local residents and is also visited by political leaders.”

Apart from Anil Kaushik who plays a vital role in this NGO, Shardul Anil Kaushik, the Founder-President of the NGO takes immense efforts for social initiatives which are run through the Pratishthan.

Speaking about the key features of this garba event, Kaushik said, “This garba event is completely free of cost and anyone from within or outside Navi Mumbai can come and partake in the celebrations. To maintain a lively atmosphere we have a live orchestra who play the best of garba hits. I encourage citizens to come join us in the lighthearted festivities of these energetic garba evenings filled with religious fervour.”

Garba in Navi Mumbai has become a vibrant and inclusive cultural celebration, welcoming people from different backgrounds and regions to join in the festivities and experience the rich traditions of Gujarat. These celebrations promote cultural exchange and create a sense of unity and festivity among people of various communities