As Navratri kicks off across India on Monday, excitement is building in Gujarat for the nine-night festival filled with Garba dances and vibrant celebrations. But unseasonal rain is stealing the spotlight, worrying organizers and devotees who are gearing up for lively Garba events.
Scattered showers hit parts of south Gujarat on Sunday, and the India Meteorological Department has now issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in districts like Bharuch, Narmada, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad. Expect possible downpours at isolated spots right on the first day of Navratri.
The rain already threw a wrench into preparations Sunday. In Hansot, a town in Bharuch district, about 1.5 inches of rain fell in just eight hours from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Similar showers popped up in Navsari and Chikhli, with lighter, spotty rain in places like Kheda, Anand, Surat, Tapi, Vadodara, and Valsad. Waterlogging at popular Garba venues is creating early headaches, and folks from dancers to everyday devotees are hoping the weather clears up soon to keep the festivities going strong.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel rallied support for local products during a gathering of cooperative groups in Amreli on Sunday. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, or self-reliant India, urging everyone to back it by choosing Indian-made goods—whether it’s chips or ships. “It’s time to go vocal for local and use Swadeshi products,” Patel said.
With Navratri starting today and Diwali just around the corner, the chief minister encouraged shoppers to pick Indian items during their festive buys. He also called on traders and shopkeepers to stock up on Swadeshi goods and support women-led self-help groups, like Sakhi Mandals, by snapping up their handmade crafts. “This is how we build prosperity through cooperation,” he added.
Gujarat’s Navratri stands out as one of the world’s most colorful festivals, honoring Goddess Durga with millions joining in Garba and Dandiya dances, parades, and community rituals. It even earned UNESCO recognition for its rich cultural heritage, drawing global attention to these joyful traditions.
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