In the midst of Navratri, the festival dedicated to the worship of Adishakti or the Divine Mother, a heartwarming and inclusive celebration is taking place in Ahmedabad. The Divyang Navratri Mahotsav has been organizing a special Garba Fest for the past six years, inviting individuals with disabilities to participate in the festivities. This tradition, which started as a compassionate idea, has now grown to unite more than 700 people, including disabled individuals, elders, and youth, who come together to celebrate the spirit of Navratri.
The event, held in Gojubavi village under Baramati taluka, aims to provide a platform where everyone can take part in the joyous dance of Garba while paying their respects to Aadyashakti Amba, the goddess of power and strength. Vipulbhai, the organizer of the Divyang Garba Mahotsav, recalled the origins of this heartwarming initiative.
He explained how he was inspired to create this event after noticing a disabled person at a Garba venue a decade ago. Touched by this encounter, he decided to make Navratri celebrations more inclusive and welcoming to all.
More than just a dance event, the Divyang Navratri Mahotsav has become a symbol of unity and inclusion. Participants of all abilities come together to enjoy the festive ambience and revelry. One participant mentioned, “The initiative is commendable. Vipul Bhai has been organizing this Garba for six years, and we have been coming and enjoying the festive ambience and revelry here. We don’t feel left out here. We have made many new friends and enjoy the Garba every year. Many think that since we are wheelchair-bound, we can’t play Garba. However, the organizer of this event doesn’t think that way. He holds the event like he is one among us. The event presents us with an opportunity to dress up for Navratri. We get to wear traditional clothes and meet people.”
Navratri is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across India, where devotees worship the nine incarnations of Maa Durga over a span of nine days. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a specific manifestation of the goddess, and people follow a variety of rituals, including fasting, reciting shlokas, wearing new clothes, offering bhog, and cleaning their homes.
The festival represents the victory of good over evil, and it commemorates the triumph of the goddess over the demon Mahishasura.
In addition to traditional rituals, the festival also features energetic and colorful Garba and Dandiya dances, where people come together to celebrate and express their devotion through dance and music. The Divyang Navratri Mahotsav takes this celebration one step further by ensuring that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can join in the festivities and enjoy the spirit of Navratri.
This inclusive celebration not only promotes unity but also serves as a heartwarming example of how the essence of festivals can be extended to include everyone, creating a sense of belonging and joy for all participants. It is a testament to the spirit of inclusivity and the power of community, showcasing that Navratri is not just a celebration but a unifying force that transcends all boundaries.
