Navratri will hopefully be more colourful, joyous and exciting this year as compared to last year. Thanks to the vaccines and the courage and strength shown by the community, this Navratri you will finally be able to celebrate with friends and family and also play Garba. Asian Voice has collected some information and details about Navratri events for its readers.
Preeti Varsani of Red Lotus Events told the newsweekly, “We've had a very terrible past year and a half. Last year, we did an online Navratri, which didn't feel the same. But this year, we are doing at the full capacity, which is around 850.
“However, we are asking everyone to do the lateral flow tests before they come. We will be doing temperature checks. They will have to take part in our Red Lotus events track and trace as well. So it's not just the NHS one, but they'll also have to do all one as well.
“I know not everyone will show the symptoms, so the temperature checks may not even work. However, that's why we are very strict about the lateral flow test. You have to test negative on the lateral flow test on a daily basis, then you are allowed to come. And we need to see proof of that as well. After this, we're taking people to enter upstairs, which is the main Grand Hall. We're allowing them to then mix in with just the general public or anything.
“We're doing 10 nights, so nine Nights of Navratri, and then we're doing one on Poonam. We've also got two kids events as well, so basically quarterback just for the children. We got completely booked out for that one. Because of this, we've had to add another date, which is the 16th.
“We are also handing out free activity packs, which are custom made from us. We made these last year as well. And we handed out to around 4000 children free of charge. And it was all about what Navratri means and why we celebrate it.
“If someone is fully vaccinated, they have to show proof of full vaccination. However, even though you're fully vaccinated, I recommend people take the lateral flow test because you can still be a carrier right?”
The Sattavi Patidar Centre Trust Board has decided to resume the celebration of the Navratri festival due to be held between Thursday 7 to Saturday 16 October 2021. They have planned this event in line with Government’s guidelines on the Covid – 19 pandemic.
Navnat Navratri celebration 2021 will take place from 7 to 15 October, between 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm. Only 50 tickets are available first come first served. Only members of NVA(UK) and its affiliates are eligible to participate. There will be no live music. For those double-vaccinated against Covid-19, a proof will be required for entry and temperature checks at the door must be passed. A face mask must be worn at all times when not playing Garba. The tickets are free but registration is required. If you want to join, you can contact: Bacoobhai Mehta 07828 693937, Hasmitaben Doshi 07951 105686 and Chernaben Desai 07521 9311077.
Jeweller Deepak Kondhia and President of Soni Samaj told Asian Voice, “We aren’t hosting any events this year but in terms of Navratri related events, we at Jyoti Jewellers in Kingsbury are doing several special offers for Navratri and later for Diwali too. We sell silver colourful payal and anklets, jhanjhra, mataji-na garba, juda, and 22 carat gold and diamond sets.”
