North Penn is hosting its annual Garba night, a tradition for 25 years. Many students from an Indian background celebrate Garba, a traditional Gujarati dance festival that originated in Gujarat, India. It is the biggest Hindu festival in Gujarat that is celebrated during October to honor Durga (Hindu goddess of strength and protection, celebrating the defeat of evil) in her nine different forms, representing nine days of Navratri symbolizing the defeat of evil by good. Even though Garba comes from Gujarati people all over India regardless of their ethnicity celebrate the festival.
It’s 6 pm, and crowds of students and families enter the North Penn Navy Gym dressed in traditional outfits, women wearing multi-colored chaniya cholis (long flowy skirts) and men wearing kurtas. As well as the principal, assistance principles and teachers of North Penn attended, traditionally dressed up and participated at the event. While the DJ was blasting traditional music in the background. Meanwhile, people are dancing in a circular motion with unique moves with the Durga photograph in the middle.
“Garba is a huge tradition in my family. Ever since I was young we would go to large ones in Philadelphia or small ones with just family friends. The North Penn Garba is the first Garba that made me feel independent and feel like I was independently choosing to continue cultural traditions. I have been going since the 9th and each time it has been so fun,” – North Penn junior Jiya Shah stated.
There was a half time where people were able to purchase drinks and foods. Top popular favorites from the guests were vegetable samosa and gobi manchurian.
The traditional folk dance is where people spin in a circle with special moves that have been formed in Gujarat. Some people use dandiya (stick) which represents a sword. The traditional dance involves dancing around either a Garba Deep ( clay lantern) which symbolizes life or a photograph of the goddess Durga.
“This is my 3rd year and Mrs. Byrnes’s 1st year with the ICA club. I respect every culture and Garba is one of my favorite events. I grew up in a small town where Muslim families were surrounded by Hindu families. I love the diverse environment at NPHS and it’s like my home. I saw Indian Republican Night in 2011, students did extremely well at the show. My mission is always to uplift club and diversity to fit into the North Penn culture,” explained Adviser Syeda Mirza.
Halfway though the end of the event everyone gathered around a photo of god Durga to do aarti ( clapping in beats and singing along with the holy song. The purpose of Aarti is to remove negativity and bring positive energy to your life.
The purpose of this event is to gather communities and to understand others’ backgrounds. The cost of entry fee and food all goes toward good cost; senior scholarships and charity.