Surat – On the eve of Navratri, Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, made a significant announcement that has boosted the festive spirit across the state. He declared that this year, garba players will be allowed to participate in celebrations late into the night without any restrictions. He directed Gujarat Police to make arrangements in every city and district to ensure that lakhs of devotees can worship Goddess Amba with full enthusiasm.

Sanghavi emphasized that the festival should bring prosperity to small traders and street vendors, describing Navratri as an opportunity for them similar to Diwali. He said that those who work tirelessly to prepare goods or set up food stalls should be given full freedom to conduct business. This year’s festivities are also being linked to the themes of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Swadeshi’, highlighting the importance of self-reliance and indigenous products.

The minister also issued strict warnings to commercial garba organizers. He said they must ensure proper facilities for all participants and that songs disrupting the devotional atmosphere would not be permitted. Stressing that Navratri is an integral part of Indian culture, he added that maintaining its sanctity is everyone’s responsibility and that negligence or untoward incidents would not be tolerated.

Special attention has been given to the safety of women and girls. Sanghavi urged them to immediately call the emergency helpline number 112 if they face any problem, assuring that Gujarat Police is always ready to assist. As per agency report, additional security measures have been implemented this year to prevent anti-social elements from exploiting the festivities.

The announcement has sparked widespread excitement in Surat and across Gujarat, with people looking forward to celebrating Navratri with renewed enthusiasm and devotion.

Rupal, Gujarat: Rivers of ghee flowed in Rupal village of Gujarat on Wednesday as thousands of devotees offered their devotion to Vardayini Mataji, a Hindu goddess, during her annual festival. The festival, known as Vardayini Mataji's palli, is a centuries-old tradition that attracts devotees from all over the state.

During the festival, the goddess' idol is placed on a palanquin and carried through the village streets. Devotees pour ghee on the palanquin as it passes, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The festival is a symbol of deep devotion and faith, and it is also a time for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate.

This year's festival was particularly special, as it marked the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the event was held at full capacity. Devotees from all over Gujarat came to Rupal to participate in the festival and to pay their respects to Vardayini Mataji.

The festival is also a time for economic activity in Rupal. Ghee sellers from all over the state set up stalls in the village, and devotees often buy large quantities of ghee to offer to the goddess. The festival also provides employment opportunities for locals, who work as volunteers to help with the preparations and to manage the crowds.

The Vardayini Mataji palli is a unique and special festival that is cherished by the people of Rupal and Gujarat as a whole. It is a testament to the deep devotion and faith of the people, and it is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Ahmedabad : Heart attack cases are increasing alarmingly in Gujarat, especially during the Navratri festival. According to the 108 emergency services, 673 emergency calls related to chest pain were received in the state during the eight days of Navratri. On the eighth day alone, 30 complaints of chest pain were received in Ahmedabad.

The cases increased on the second, fourth and fifth nights during Navratri. On average, 21 complaints of chest pain were reported daily during the eight days of Navratri, compared to 27 on normal days. Ahmedabad had the highest number of chest pain complaints, with 30 complaints recorded on the eighth day.

In October, as Gujarat was preparing for Navratri, 108 received 1723 emergency calls related to heart attacks across Gujarat in the first week of the month alone. This is a significant increase from the previous year, when 1245 emergency calls related to heart attacks were received in the first week of October.

Experts believe that a number of factors are contributing to the increase in heart attack cases in Gujarat, including unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a lack of physical activity. The Navratri festival, which involves long hours of fasting and dancing, may also be a contributing factor.

The Gujarat government has taken a number of steps to address the issue, including launching awareness campaigns about heart disease and prevention. However, more needs to be done to educate people about the risks of unhealthy lifestyle choices and the importance of regular medical checkups.

If you or someone you know experiences chest pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Heart attack is a serious medical emergency, and early treatment can improve survival rates.

The Gujarat government has formed the Becharaji Area Development Authority (BADA) to boost religious and economic activities in the Becharaji region of North Gujarat, home to the famous Bahucharaji Shaktipeeth shrine.

The decision was taken by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who visited the region on October 22 and also visited the Mandal-Becharaji Special Economic Zone (SIR), Maruti Suzuki's plant, and about 30 other small and large production units.

The BADA will cover an area of about 825 hectares including Shankhalpur, Kalri, Ganeshpura, Pratapgarh, Finchadi, Dedana, and Edla villages located in and around Becharaji.

The new authority will be responsible for planning and streamlining the future development of the region and providing infrastructural facilities such as roads, street lights, gardens, and drainage. It will also promote industrial and commercial development in the region and create new employment opportunities.

Chief Minister Patel said that the BADA will help to coordinate the modern industrial revolution with religion and make the Becharaji region a special contributor to the development of the country and the state.

The BADA will be headed by the Mehsana District Collector and will have other members including the Chief Town Planner, Chairman of Mehsana District Panchayat, Mehsana District Development Officer, Regional Municipal Commissioner-Gandhinagar, and Additional Resident Collector of Mehsana district as Member Secretary.

In order to give proper expression to the issues related to the development of the area, a provision has also been made to give place to four members elected at the local level as members in the authority.

The formation of the BADA is a welcome step and is expected to boost the development of the Becharaji region in all spheres.

On the occasion of Navratri, a Maha Aarti was organized on the banks of the Tapi River in Jahangirpura, Surat on October 23, 2023. The Aarti was attended by Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles Darshana Jardosh, Surat Municipal Corporation officials, and a large number of citizens.

During the Aarti, people chanted mantras and performed the rituals according to the scriptures. Minister Jardosh also performed the Aarti of Tapi Mata and took a pledge to keep the river clean and purify it by not putting flowers in it. The view of the Maha Aarti held in Tapi was similar to the Ganga Aarti of Haridwar.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Jardosh said that the Tapi River is a lifeline for Surat and it is important to keep it clean and healthy. She urged the citizens to cooperate with the government in its efforts to keep the river clean.

The Surat Municipal Corporation has announced that the Maha Aarti of Tapi Mata will be performed every night. This will be a major tourist attraction for the city and will also help to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the river clean.

The citizens of Surat are excited about the Maha Aarti and have pledged to support the government in its efforts to keep the Tapi River clean.

Small traders around Mataji temple in Surat are benefiting from the devotion of the devotees to Mataji during the Navratri festival. The traders are happy that they are making the same amount of sales during Navratri as in two to two and a half months.

The festival of Navratri has become a lifeline for the small shopkeepers near the temple and the small traders. Bipin Patel, who is selling quince and flowers around the temple of Amba Mata, says that on normal days, devotees are seen only on Sundays. But now, the number of devotees has increased, and he is grateful to Mataji for this.

Sainath Tickete, who is selling Penda and Prasad in a queue, says, Navratri has become a boon for small traders like us. Now, he is selling four times more Prasad than earlier, which was sold during Navratri days.

Similarly, Pragnesh Thakkar, who sells Mataji jewelery and kanku near the temple, says that Navratri festival is becoming a boon for small traders around the temple. Traders are getting a lot of relief from this.

Apart from this, the sale of Mataji's pictures, copper-brass utensils, chundris and sarees also increases in this Navratri. In this way, people doing religious business around Mataji's temple are also doing good business. The sale of decorative items including bangles and sarees to offer to Mataji is also increasing.

Traders are saying that Navratri is becoming auspicious for the traders around Mataji's temple.

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], October 18: Venkatesh Agrawal, a 17-year-old musical prodigy, has achieved global recognition as the Youngest Music Director and Songwriter, receiving accolades from the Golden Book of World Records and the Influencer Book of World Records.

In a historic moment for the music industry, 17-year-old Venkatesh Agrawal has been officially acknowledged as the world’s Youngest Music Director and Songwriter. This remarkable achievement comes from the Golden Book of World Records, recognizing his exceptional musical contributions.

In a historic moment for the music industry, 17-year-old Venkatesh Agrawal has been officially acknowledged as the world’s Youngest Music Director and Songwriter. This remarkable achievement comes from the Golden Book of World Records, recognizing his exceptional musical contributions.

Furthermore, the Influencer Book of World Records has honored Venkatesh for his profound impact on the music world and his ability to connect with music enthusiasts.

In response to these prestigious awards, Venkatesh expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive these awards and witness the love my music has received from fans worldwide. This recognition by the Golden Book of World Records and the Influencer Book of World Records represents a personal milestone.

It underscores the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and unwavering support of my family and the music community. These awards testify that dreams pursued relentlessly can become a reality. I am thankful for this opportunity and committed to creating music that resonates with people’s hearts.”

Venkatesh has left an indelible mark on the music industry despite his youth, having composed over 15 songs and written lyrics for more than 15 Hindi tracks in a relatively short period. His soul-stirring compositions and lyrical talents have garnered love and appreciation from people around the globe. His distinctive approach to music creation has solidified his reputation within the industry and acclaimed Bollywood singers like Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Anuradha Paudwal, Amit Misra, and Altaf Sayyed have lent their voices to his creations.

Venkatesh’s accomplishments are truly exceptional. At 17, born on November 16, 2005, he composed 15 Hindi songs and penned their lyrics, marking his initial significant milestone in the music industry. His talent and dedication were further showcased when he created his second world record by composing, writing lyrics, singing, and acting in six songs.

These accomplishments highlight his creative abilities and demonstrate his determination and passion for music and entertainment. Venkatesh Agrawal’s dual world records at such a young age are a testament to his unparalleled talent and inspire aspiring artists worldwide. His contributions to the Hindi music industry and record-breaking achievements continue to shape the future landscape of the entertainment world.

Venkatesh is also deeply committed to philanthropic activities and is dedicated to making the world a better place. Additionally, he is set to release a Gujarati version of his hit track “Raas Garba,” which has captivated audiences, inspiring joy and enthusiastic dancing. The Gujarati version is scheduled for release on the 20th, promising to delight and entertain his growing fanbase.

Awarded by the Influencer Book of World Records, Chief Editor Jayesh shared his thoughts about this recognition, saying, “This is the ultimate talent in the world. Our organization is immensely proud to honor Venkatesh Agrawal with this award, and we wish him a bright and promising future. India is proud of this young talent who has set a world record.”

Venkatesh Agrawal’s achievements are not just a personal triumph but a testament to young artists’ extraordinary potential to reshape the entertainment world’s landscape.

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Rajkot : Women from the Kshatriya community in Rajkot performed a unique Garba dance with swords on the second and third day of Navratri. The dance was held at the Ranjit Vilas Palace and saw about 200 women participating.

The women rode on two wheelers and open jeep and danced with swords in their hands. They also presented Deepak, Thali and Tippani Raas.

Bhagini Foundation, which has been involved in activities including turban tying training, heritage walk, environmental awareness and sending eco-friendly Rakhis to soldiers, organized a special camp to teach Talwar Raas on bike.

This is the first time that the women have performed a tableau of heroic horse riders by playing sword dance while riding on a bike and an open jeep.

Four years ago, thousands of women from the Kshatriya community had created a world record by playing Talwar Raas together.

The sword Garba is a unique dance form that showcases the bravery and valor of the Kshatriya community. It is a reminder of the rich history of India and the sacrifices made by our ancestors to protect our land and our culture.

Surat : Navratri is being celebrated with enthusiasm in housing societies across Surat, with a new trend emerging this year: dress codes. In addition to traditional attire, many societies have announced a different dress code for each of the ten days of the festival. Residents are enthusiastically following the dress codes, adding to the fun and unity of the celebrations.

Navratri is a time for people to come together and celebrate the Hindu festival of nine nights. In Surat, housing societies play a big role in organizing Navratri celebrations. These celebrations help to bring unity among the residents of the society and provide a safe and fun environment for people to enjoy the festival.

This year, many housing societies in Surat have decided to add a new twist to their Navratri celebrations by introducing dress codes. Some societies have declared one day as red day, one day as blue day, one day as white day, or one day as green day so that members come wearing the same dress during Navratri celebrated in the society. Besides, one day has been declared as Dupatta Day, one day as Coati Day, and one day as Goggles Day.

Residents of the societies are enjoying following the dress codes and creating wonderful scenes with their colorful and traditional attire. The dress codes are also helping to bring people together and create a sense of camaraderie.

After worshipping Mataji for nine days, the residents will celebrate DJ Day on the night of Dussehra by having breakfast of Fafda Jalebi on the tenth day.

The new trend of dress codes in Navratri celebrations in Surat is a welcome one. It adds to the fun and unity of the festival, while also showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.

Surat, October 15: In a unique initiative, Surat District Cricket Association and Surat Cyclist Group organized a 'Cycle Dandiya' event at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium on Sunday. The event, which is the first of its kind in the world, was aimed at promoting the health benefits of cycling and encouraging people to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

A large number of people participated in the event, which saw them playing Garba while riding bicycles. The participants were dressed in traditional Navratri attire and danced to the tunes of popular Garba songs.

The event was a huge success, with many people praising the organizers for coming up with such a unique and innovative way to celebrate Navratri. The participants also had a lot of fun, and many of them said that they would definitely participate in the event again next year.

Speaking about the event, one of the organizers said, "We are very happy with the response to the event. We organized this event to promote cycling and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. We hope that this event will inspire more people to take up cycling and stay healthy."

Cycle Dandiya is a unique and innovative way to celebrate Navratri. It is also a great way to promote cycling and encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The event is a welcome addition to the many Navratri celebrations that are held in Surat every year.

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.

Surat : Amidst the growing urbanization of Surat, a local area namely Adajan is keeping the traditional Garba alive. For the past 50 years, the Siddheshwar Yuvak Mandal has been organizing Navratri celebrations in the temple of self-manifested Shri Siddheshwari Mataji, where three generations of people come together to play Garba to the tune of Mata devotional songs.

This is in stark contrast to the modern Garba celebrations that are held in other parts of Surat, where people perform Garba to film songs. In Adajan, the atmosphere is far from the madding crowd, and people come to watch the Garba with reverence and devotion.

Dharmesh Patel, a member of the Siddheshwar Yuvak Mandal, says that everyone from children to elders of Adajan participates in the Garba celebrations. "It is a priceless moment for us to come together and worship the Mother Goddess," he says.

Many youths of Adajan locality live abroad and in other states and cities, but they make sure to come back during Navratri to perform Garba. "It is a tradition that we have been following for generations," says Tejas Patel, another member of the Mandal.

The Siddheshwar Yuvak Mandal is celebrating its Golden Jubilee this year, and they are all excited to keep the tradition of traditional Garba alive. "We want to show the world that the real Garba is the one that is performed to devotional songs," says Tejas Patel.

The traditional Garba of Adajan is a reminder that even in the midst of urbanization, there are still places where people are keeping their cultural traditions alive. It is a celebration of faith, devotion, and community.