As Hindu Festival of Navratri fast approaches, not only India, but even the city of Bradford prepares itself to be decked in festivities, to celebrate nine colourful days of pomp and dance.
The Bradford Hindu Council along with West Yorkshire Police Hindu Association is set to organise Navratri festivities across the city, with events planned at Shree Prajapati on Thornton Lane, the Ukrainian Community Hall, Leuva Patidar Samaj Hall on Legrams Mill Lane, and Leeds Hindu Mandir on Alexander Road in Leeds from 15 October till 24 October.
In previous years, the event has served as an enlightening experience for the organisation, featuring vibrant colours, captivating sounds, and active community involvement.
Dharmesh Mistry, chair of West Yorkshire Police Hindu Association and volunteer at Bradford Hindu Council said: “I’ve been doing this since quite a while, 2019 to be precise. The main aim behind the celebrations is to spread awareness about Hindu festivals and community, but most importantly bring people of all faiths and colour together to celebrate. It’s also about community cohesion, right?
“Bringing different communities together from across Bradford, celebrating together at different community halls across the city, so that everyone can have a good time, that’s our aim”.
Image: Dharmesh Mistry
Noteworthy attendees in the past have included the former Chief Constable, Dee Collins, and ACC Angela Williams, who both donned traditional attires. Additionally, Mr. Robins has been a staunch supporter of the event, faithfully attending for the past few years. Among the participants, colleagues have taken a prominent role, eagerly engaging in dance, and warmly embracing the local community.
Navratri is a nine-night festival dedicated to the feminine divinity, ‘Shakti,’ representing energy and power. It features the hallmark Gujarati dance forms of Garba and Dandiya. People gather in circles each night, dancing around a decorated earthenware pot symbolizing a Goddess shrine. The dance signifies the Hindu concept of time’s cyclical nature, with the Goddess as an unmoving constant amid endless change.
Dandiya, often performed alongside Garba, involves small groups wielding decorated sticks and pays homage to Lord Krishna and the dance of his female guardians, the Gopis. The nine nights are divided among Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, representing different aspects of feminine divinity.
Mythologically, Navratri commemorates the nine-day battle between Shakti and the demon. Mahisasur, who could only be defeated by a woman. Shakti, created by powerful Hindu deities, vanquished Mahisasur on the tenth day.
Beyond mythology, Navratri celebrates fertility and the monsoon harvest, with the worship of fresh soil where grains are sown. This vibrant festival captures the essence of Hindu culture, spirituality, and the eternal power of the feminine.
