Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Chicago, and Support A Child host Navratri celebrations

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The Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA) and Support A Child (SAC) hosted Navratri Garba Raas with Rex D Souza and Shivani Shah October 15, 2022 at Bartlett Park District, Bartlett, IL.

The event attracted more than a thousand Gujrati families and others of Indian descent to celebrate the festival, according to a press release from Asian Media USA.

The attendees ranged from toddlers to seniors, all dressed in   colorful Indian attire.

All participated in twirling dances, clapping hands and wooden sticks, moving to toe tapping music to do the garba.

The festivities began around 7:00 pm and lasted until12:30 pm.

The President of VHPA Harendra Mangrola spoke fondly about the Navaratri celebrations, saying that, “It keeps a part of our rich culture alive, we Gujarati have garba in our blood”. He recognized sponsors, the committee members and volunteers that made the event possible.

Shivani Shah started with the Three claps Garba, “Kum Kum Kera Pagale Madi”. She sang the Classical “Raksha Karo Ambe Maa Bhavani”. Rex Dsouza continued with Garbas in Two Taali. In the Raas, those present enjoyed the “Disco Dandia.”

Many volunteers as well as leaders of VHPA made the event a success.

The Garba program ended with an Arti around 12:30 p.m. followed by Prasad distribution.