Nine-Day Navratri Celebrations in the UK

With the tune of traditional Naal drums

Sep 22, 2009

Thousands of people of Indian origin danced for the drums across UK to celebrate the start of nine-day colourful festival, Navratri. London, Leicester, Manchester, Nottingham and Edinburgh streets were jubilant with people dressed in colourful Indian costumes. Participants sang and danced for the tune of traditional Naal drums during the procession. The recital of Bhagavad Gita at the end of the day is part of the celebration. This event in Harrow was jointly organised by International Siddhashram Shakti Centre (Sangat Centre) and Harrow Council. Sangat Centre manager Kanti Nagada said, “This festival is a way to bring the community together, a celebration of angels overcoming demons as evil is wiped out. It is a way for people to forget everyone else and come together in religious and cultural celebration.&” On this occasion Harrow Councillors, MPs and Police Officers joined the procession.

Navratri in India is an important festival for Hindus but in UK Navratri is a cultural overlap. Muslims and Jains join the Hindus in Garba dance. The Indians in UK proudly dance in the streets on this occasion. Harrow councillor Anjana Patel said, "For me the really important aspect of Navratri is that it connects children who have been brought up in this country with their culture and tradition." The nine day celebration of Navratri symbolises the triumph of good over evil. During this period Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati are worshipped as three different manifestations of shakti or cosmic energy.

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