Ahmedabad, October 15: Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav 2023 at Gujarat University grounds in Ahmedabad on Sunday in the presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat. The nine-day festival has been organized by the Tourism and Cultural Activities Department of the State Government.
The inauguration ceremony featured a multimedia cultural program and Maha Aarti on the theme of 'Shaktirupen Sansthita'. The festival was started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2011 to give global recognition to Gujarat's Garba and to promote tourism activities along with Garba culture globally.
Some of the key attractions of the Navratri Mahotsav include:
- State-level Garba competition on the Ancillary Stage from 6 pm to 12 pm every day from October 16 to 23.
- Traditional Sheri Garba program from 9 pm to 12 midnight every day from October 16 to 23.
- Theme pavilion, craft market, food stalls, Anand Nagari, and Bal Nagari.
- Theme-based gates like Sabarmati Ashram and Atal Bridge, Dandiya Dwar, 'Diya' and 'Kalash'.
- Tableau presentation of various theme-based sites like the Four Vedas, Ram Temple, Modhera Sun Temple, Chandrayaan, Tejas (indigenous fighter aircraft), glimpses into the lives of famous sports players, Maa Adishakti Nine Forms, Statue of Unity, and Thematic Tunnel.
- Stalls promoting the handicrafts of Gujarat and its artisans.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Ahmedabad in-charge and State Health Minister Rishikeshbhai Patel, Minister of Tourism Mulubhai Bera, Minister of State for Sports Jagdish Vishwakarma, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, Ahmedabad MPs Kiritbhai Solanki and Hasmukhbhai Patel, several MLAs, Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, senior secretaries, invitees, and a large number of Garba lovers.
The Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and heritage of Gujarat.
