Navaratri is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated Hindu festivals, which now comes to an end. Nava means “nine” and Ratri means “night” and this 9 night and 10 day festival is dedicated to the Hindu deity Durga, who symbolizes power and purity.
Nayanta Naran of the Shree Pretoria Hindu Seva Samaj, told the Laudium Sun, “We celebrated Navaratri, a grand and colourful event, with great enthusiasm. Havan Puja was conducted by our resident priest, Shree Sunilbhai Bhatt. For the very first time garba, a Gujarati folk dance, was performed daily, in the Samaj courtyard and people really enjoyed themselves. Our team of young Navyug members volunteered to do seva. The garba dance was a great occasion for bonding and fun. Women and men were encouraged to wear traditional costumes for the garba. All Covid-19 protocols were followed. A limited number of people were allowed to attend by a registration process. It was a very successful event.”
Pictured: Khushi Nandani (17) of Olivine Str, Nishta Parekh (17) of Marble Street, and sisters Dhvinsi (18), and Jhanvi Valand (14) of 5th Ave, Laudium, offering prayers during Navaratri.
