Editor’s comment: The spirit of Navratri lives on
Despite the fact that many people complain that the spirit of Navratri is becoming lost to vulgar commercialization, I don’t share such a pessimistic view. It must be conceded that there are quite a few garbas where the organizers are driven by a desire to make profits. Also, there has been a trend for some people to treat the Navratri celebrations as nothing more than a party, as well as a few rabble who come in drunk, smelling of smoke and wanting to cause trouble.Â
September 28th, 2007 at 10:55 am
ay be the second and third generations understand less about Navratri and so these expressions are displayed. A two ninute discourse of factual information can be helpful to them.Commercialism is rife in the mother country as well so nothing new. Management committees of various centres can limit this. On positive side we see the festival change and develop with the changing time. This is a good thing because Hinduism is a fluid religion. Joy to all.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
How many of the Hindus the world over - including the 2nd and 3rd generation British Hindus - know why we are celbrating Navaratri? It signifies shakti pooja because we need shakti for everything while we are alive. Apart from for our ohysical existence, we need shakti to fight the evil (Raakshas vritti) - external but more importantly the evil (durguna) within each one of us. We need shakti to do Prabhu karya which includes, among other things, making people believe in and love God and his creations, spreading his message delivered to us through vedas …
Every festival can and should be a “social occasion” but before we celebrate, everyone of us should try to understand the purpose behind the festival.
September 28th, 2007 at 6:59 pm
namaste all
I am afraid I only partly share beti Neha’s views. Yes, we should keep our Navratri tradition alive for our future generation, as it is on the whole a good cultural event, look forward by many.
But to ignore its pitfalls is inviting trouble. As you will have noticed about the other article on Navratri, many of our business minded people and even community leaders treat Navratri as a money making occasion.
To them nothing is sacred. Even our youngsters (not all by any means) treat Navratri as a one big party, bringing friends from other faith, culture who have no respect for either our customs, tradition or religion.
Most of us, even from our younger days, will always refrain from smoaking, drinking or eating meat diet for nine days without fail.
Yet I see many youngsters throng the clubs, Hindu run and managed, to eat, drink and behave any way they like, during those nine supposidedly holy days.
I know one could not generalize such a situation and yes, there are many youngsters who treat navratri, nine days with respect and tradition but many do not.
Every year we have same problems. It seems we do not learn or do not want to learn from the past mistakes. Commercialism is getting worse year by year and in the end it will become a glorified night club like event if we are not careful. I am afraid it is even worse in India.
Yes, by all means celebrate navratri but in true Hindu traditiom, with religious theme and make some sacrifice on eating and drinking front.
If Muslims, even young boys and girls in their teens could fast, observe their hloy month why can’t we for just nine days.
Jai Bhavani Mata
September 29th, 2007 at 11:51 am
“Commercialising Norta” with a view to “return a trading profit” in most community run Navratri functions is not always the case. I am an active member of our local cummunity and there is nominal fee charged per family. Spread over nine days it amounts to very little, and guests are asked to contribute a very nominal entrance fee to participate.
Hall, group hire and event cost could be well in excess of £10,000.00, and this cost needs to be recovered as most community organisations cannot afford to fund this event for free.
Some organisers run a kitchen manned by volunteers where fresh and tasty food is prepared and served every day, again at a nominal price, and this is very popular. The organisers and the kitchen volunteers do not set out to make a profit here, but to try and break even over nine days.
It is often the case that at the end of the Norta celebrations, committees report a loss and it is the generosity of quiet sponsors who make up losses.
Having said this, I do accept that a lot of these functions are indeed commercialised especially in London, and most will agree with the general feeling that this is unfair. One would hope that community organisations will re-think where such practises occur.
The trouble makers, more often then not are of faiths other then Hindu and Sikh, who take it for granted that weak Hindus will not confront them. Many organisers will have an organised group of robust young community members who act as security, and will confront and take on trouble makers head on. I see nothing wrong with this “method of defence”.
The religious points made about fasting during Norta, I feel is upto personal choice and feelings of the Hindu individual, and “to expect them to fast” just because others do is not our way in my opinion.
Navratri, in addition to being a religious occasion, is also a most splendid social ocasion too where young people meet in a most carefree environment which is both spiritually alive and socially motivated at the same time where people of all ages participate. I think that is so beautiful, as this has many, and very positive social aspects too for our young.
September 29th, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Namaste All
Yes, Pravin is right. Most community charge a nominal fee and so often make a loss. Some times the entrance fee is only kept to keep the undesirable elements out.
But there are many unscrupulous people who even forms a limited company to arrange Gurba functions at Navratri, just to make a fast buck, in any way they can.
So often our youngsters are more attracted to these functions than the traditional one organized by their community, as there are only youngsters present and they can bring any one from any culture or faith.
Naturally behaviour at such functions are well below normal. I have even seen people selling cans and bottles of beer from a van and youngsters getting drunk.
Surely this goes against Navratri spirit, so do eating meat, especially beaf. I would like to refrain from eating meat and drinking alcholic drinks for nine days, esp. if I would like to to attend such a function.
Yes, many community hire security guards and it is a right thing to do if they can not find right, robust youngsters from within their community.
Have a happy and enjoyable Navratri.
Bhupendra
September 29th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Very true when Bhupendra says:
“So often our youngsters are more attracted to these functions than the traditional one organized by their community..”
We as a community have addressed this fairly successfully whereby we maintain the full religious aspect of the Norta celebration, but at the same time bring in a fabulous Garba group from Leicester for the full nine days who sing the most traditional Garbas, do a mix of bollywood music, but maintain the Garba theme nonetheless to give the youngsters a variation of their choice.
The roar of approval from the floor says it all as they dance away.
(The group gives us a special rate because it is religious. We know they can earn more elsewhere. This is their contribution to Hinduism if you like - and again they put the spirit of Norta first and put aside commercialism for these nine days)
We ensure that the atmosphere is vibrant, secure, quietly controlled from the background and well supervised, and the young people in the community make a huge effort to publicize the event at Uni where Hindu students from all over the UK, and indeed from India attend in huge numbers, and this in preference to other events elsewhere. These young people are aware too that they will be free from trouble.
It is heartwarming to see these young people enjoy themselves.
Those young Muslim students who are also there, it must be said in fairness, created no problems at all, but who did stand aloof and at a distance at time of Aarti. This attitude surely must disqualify them from entry?
It always worries me in the back of my mind as to why they are there in the first place, as these will the clever quiet ones who come to observe and report back and I wonder if they should have been allowed in.
September 29th, 2007 at 11:07 pm
if the muslims that come to garba are willing to come to janmashtami..or shivratri…then perhaps they have somewhat proved they are worthy of being allowed to come to garba?…but something tells me that coming to these other religious festivals would be inconcievable…hm I wonder why..
September 30th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Hi all,
Im a Hindu youth, and i believe that we haven’t forgotten the true story and beliefs. Our parents generation, and grandparents generation have no faith in us. They think, because we’re young, and we’re all lastest technology, msn, phone, party, that we forgotten who we are, and our culture. We know about navratri, we know the functions, the meaning behind it. We know about shivratri, janamnastri, we know it, its just you don’t trust us. I bet when you were little secondary youths like us, you didnt SHOW much intrest, but you WERE intrested, and enjoyed it.
Here, in Wandsworth garba, South London, its a garba for youths mainly, thousands of girls and boys come every night, its lively, its devoted, and its what it used to be for you. You guys need to stop underestimating us, cause we aint forgotten our sanskar and parampara. We know our culture and traditions, and WE WONT FORGET THEM. TRUST US, WERE THE FUTURE OF HINDUISM, YOU NEED TO TRUST US.
September 30th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
sejal…
I commend your comments and sentiments….but you should not presume that ppl who write on this website are old “elders”.. its not only the elders who lament the lack of knowledge of the youth…some of us YOUTH actually share that very view - and im one of them.
Sure there are a MASSIVE number of us that are pious and enjoy navratri for the right reasons - and as you expressed, you are one of them…but there are a significant minority of Hindu youth that simply dont come for the right reasons. We cant pretend that thats not the case…becuase that would be burying our heads in the sand - and thats something that Muslims are more aquainted to doing.
October 1st, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Keep an open mind here Db8 - look in addition also at the positive side of life at Norta. It is also a social event, and a lot of good karma (sara kamo or aache kaam) also result from these functions.
A lot of young people have met at these events over the years, got to know each other, and got married in due course where, most encouragingly, caste has not been an issue at all, and compatibility has won the day, with parental concent too.
Now, that I think is very positive, and we must also highlight the good as well.
In most cases, these young people may never have met otherwise.
October 1st, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Yes, alot of people have met each other at garba and got married. But thats not exactly the point of my post.
Im talking about people coming to the mandir for the wrong reasons. I dont expect all Hindus to be scholars of our religion but what I do expect is that respect for tradition is retained. And I stand by what I say…garba is one event that too many youngsters come to (perhaps even some of the older lot too) for the wrong reasons. The bad boy wannabes, rude girls, Hindus that ive witnessed passing around phones displaying pornographic videos, score settling the list goes on…we cant ignore that it happens.
On a different note, I must admit, its nice to see just how many youth - especially at uni, attend garba for the right reasons and organise garba events too. These are the positive aspects, but in glorifying them , we mustnt forget that garba does have its problems in our community.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:59 am
Namaste All
Well put, well expressed your views on our youth db8. We have to admit that with all our faults, our Hindu community and especially our youngsters, on most part, are better behaved and more responsible than youths, youngsters from other communities. No wonder they are the envy of other ethnic minorities and a target for conversion, marriage partners.
They work, study hard and have on most part better paid jobs than the national average and one reason I can envisage is our religion, our superior culture and our age old tradition.
This is not because of but in spite of the lack of attention, time and interest their parents take in their wellbeing, as in our Hindu community, on most part, both the parents are working hard, trying to pay off the mortgage or the fees for sending their children to private schools.
Of course these parents are kind, caring and love their children and that is why they are willing to work so hard, so that they can give their children a flying start in life.
But we so often miss out, fail to understand that these children also need, besides material wealth, love, care and company of their parents, especially when they are very young.
In the past, When we had a joint family system where three generations were living under the same roof, all these attention, love was given to the children by their grand parents. But alas, this tradition is fast disappearing for one reason or another and I feel it has benifited our elders on most part.
Now I see a lot of our elders living in an independent life, in a sheltered accommodation which they prefer and enjoy, as they are in the company of the people of their own age, with plenty of activities and a 24 hour warden on the premises to look after, take care of their every need.
Yes, the best place for our youngsters to develop the taste of our culture and true feelings is at the Uni, among the company of other youths and the Hindu Student Union (NFHS) is doing a wonderful work on this front, thanks to the founder members like Rohit Ambekar and Manoj Ladwa, the first president.
I must not forget to mention that these letters, correspondence is now much more civilized and better equiped than in the beginning when the foul language, four letter words and charactor assassination of even people like GandhiJi was so profound and it offended many readers, participents.
A good argument, making a point, especially if the truth is on your side, does not need vulgar, foul, four letter words, language.
As I am confined to my home for health reasons, I write a lot and by profession, I am a journalist. So I do know what benefit we get by using a civilized language.
I would like to hear, through this column, all about Navratri celebrations this year, especially from those who directly participate in organizing it, some one like Pravin.
Have an enjoyable and trouble free Navratri.
Bhupendra
PS: My writings, articles can be read at www.indialink-online.com where I have my own regular column.
October 2nd, 2007 at 9:19 pm
db8, i guess you have a point, the people that are being spoken of are the significant MINORITY, something we should remember. The reason i sometimes assume that the article is written by an elder person is because all these views are portrayed by elder people. There are no views that are actually a view of the majoiry of the youths. The youths should have a say in all this, as in the youths at large. There are issues i feel that should be discussed in this forum. Navrartri was one, as i realise that a lot of people do forget why they got o navrartri as it is also treated as a social event…. This i guess is another matter of personal opinions. I personally believe that the majoirty hindu youths are suffering the minority’s mistakes in this.
October 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 am
I think that the mentality with our garba is that because its not in a Mandir it makes it ok for people to come after smoking weed, and drinking booze…but its not ok, after all garba’s have a shrine dedicated to Mataji in the centre. A little more awreness would go a long way and we definately need to get rid of the “cultural celebration” aspect of navratri, since when was it cultural and not “religious” anymore
October 3rd, 2007 at 10:09 am
“Here, in Wandsworth garba, South London, its a garba for youths mainly, thousands of girls and boys come every night, its lively, its devoted, and its what it used to be for you. You guys need to stop underestimating us, cause we aint forgotten our sanskar and parampara”
To what I know Wandsworth Garba is also another place for ‘pulling’ Some mates of mine were there some time back and saw groups of paki guys hanging around for girls.So maybe you’re overestimating yourselves..
October 3rd, 2007 at 1:56 pm
nahh Hitesh, i dont think highly of it, that mandal needs to have security guards outside it. I think more highly of my own mandal. But still, the people there have a bit of respect for their beliefs not to let others take the piss. Mate you have to be honest it isnt a competition but this is about respecting and acknowedging the beliefs of navrarti. Whats your mandal, what do the public think of your mandal? tell me that.. I know what you think of the Mandl i been to newar my house even though my regular one is in Southall.
October 4th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
This is a very informative blog.
October 5th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
I think Navratri is a lot more commercialised in India than it is in this country. Here, because we are a minority, we tend to really crave for that ‘Indianness’ to be alive in our hearts. But back home, they don’t seem to care any longer. Too busy imitating the western culture, too much partying, smoking, getting pregnant etc. is a common cause with Navratri in India.
Sentiments of Navratri - how many of us have the garbi at home? As a child, we had a garbi each navratri and we would sing to Ambe maa before even venturing out of the house for a garba night. It’s all dying slowly.
I think as a younger generation, we need to resolve in our minds that we will inculcate (or at least try to inculcate) the true spirit of not just Navratri, but any festival in our children in the right manner. So what if it means we need to do a bit of research, a bit of reading or digging into facts for this purpose.
I know of my friends who would wait all year for Navratri and flirt every single night during it. Now I know what they are going to be teaching their kids in a few years … they don’t know anything to teach! So, if their kids turn out that way, who is to blame? Them or the kids?
So, if today’s generation has turned out the way it is (baring a few exceptions like us) who is to blame?
October 7th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Nehal, i agree with you, i too know a few friends who wait every minute of the year going “I cant wait for garba” and when it comes, I find its not for the garba itself, its for the flirting they can do. It doesn’t make sense to me, because I have another grooup of friends who wait the whol year also saying “I cant wait till garba” and when it comes they go EVERY night, they play garba, dandiya, they get involved, and its really fun for them. I personally think that the girls that go there to flirt, are more of the vain ones, the ones who don’t see anything further than their looks. Sorry if i offended anyone with that statement, but where i am thats how the majoirty are.
The younger generation, meaning our generation need to teach one another how to honour and look forward to Garba for the right reasons.
I agree totally Nehal.
October 8th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
Sejal…as you say yourself…”our generation need to teach one another how to honour and look forward to Garba for the right reasons.”…i hope this will be reflected in the way you interact with the youth in your area/mandir/area or at the very least, amongst your group of friends.
I guess it is up to indivuduals to express themselves when they see rogueish elements manifest themselves at garba festivities this year…I hope the youth (and elders) reading this blog take it upon themselves to do something about apathetic attitudes amongst ppl attended garba. Even if you can get through to ONE person, atleast thats one more than before.
October 10th, 2007 at 9:16 am
I think it all depends on the individual and how well they have been educated - be it from their parents or by other sources. I know that this is also an avenue for people to meet potential life partners (if done tastefully!) -it’s a good idea because it’s a safe place to meet people with similar background and sanskar, however thats providing they know why they are celebrating navratri as well … mataji’s glorious victory of a 9-day battle!
Another thing that does annoy me about the navratri ‘commercialism’ is when you hear too many bollywood songs!!! Chiswick was aweful!..I love mataji na garba! Jai Ambe!
October 12th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
db8, don’t hope to much mate, it is alreaddy relfelcted. I don’t act hyprocritically, I do as i say that others should do. Garba, Navraatri starts today, I as a kid can’t go everyday without transport, but those who can, make the most of it, and teach as much as you can. Help others hold their heads up in pride. If you see girls flirting, tell them to pack it in or leave, if you see boys responding, say the same. Make what you can right when you can, or you’ll resent it.
Good Luck All
October 18th, 2007 at 7:20 am
Indians all around the world, I salute U.
October 26th, 2007 at 3:50 am
To be honest in my opinion chiswick garba was the best in UK this year. Specially there aarti was really nice and effective.
October 27th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Namaste Everyone,
Don’t forget Hindu Voice UK in association with
Shakti Marg is doing the London Diwali Night Garba.
Everyone is welcome.Further details :
London Diwali Garba Night
Friday 2nd November 2007.
Shoreditch Townhall
380 Old Street
EC1V 9LT London
Tickets £ 5.00
For more information and ticket booking.
email:info@shaktimarg.com
visit www.shaktimarg.com
October 27th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Trailer for up coming London Diwali Night Garba Nov 2nd
http://www.youtube.com/my_videos
November 2nd, 2007 at 2:35 pm
Thanks all contributors here for another interesting and highly informative discussion - I am always interested to hear the views of my Hindu brothers and sisters, young and old, especially on social Hinduism (for want of a better phrase).
Navratri is a beautiful festival and certainly one of the best for introducing Hinduism to the young, unaware or outsider, and I would agree entirely with the sentiments expressed in the main article here. Personally, I was unfortunately away and therefore missed this year’s Navratri, though I of course offered my own quiet prayers at the time.
I have in the past explained my personal views on Hindu youth coming to events for ‘the wrong reasons’ and see little benefit in entering into yet another endless and ultimately reconcilable argument. It matters little - I have my views and other respected people here have theirs.
With all due respect, I would however like to make one small point in response to a comment above about bringing non-Hindus to Navratri, etc. A couple of years ago in Glasgow, I was in a relationship with a white Christian girl. At Navratri time, we went out and bought her a lehngaa (I bought myself a new kurtaa pyjaamaa as well - why not?!) We then went to the mandir, where she joined in with the bhajan and kirtan being held (ok, she couldn’t join in the words, but she clapped along heartily). After that, we went to the local garbha, where we joined in with the community, playing dandia and dancing garbha, ending the night by joining the aarti.
This is just one example; I have seen many other non-Hindu girls and boys come to Navratri garbha celebrations and treat it with all the love and respect one would expect. Likewise, I myself regularly attend Christian, Jewish, Muslim (and occasionally other) religious events, or even just prayers at the local church, mosque, synagogue, etc., and would be quite disappointed if I were to be barred simply because I am a Hindu - similarly, I personally believe those who come to Navratri celebrations with a genuine sense of interest should be treated with the respect they deserve.
Apologies as always for any unintended offence.
November 5th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Hi,
There was a posting on this site by Mr Pankaj Dholabhai. I worked with him in Vapi, Gujarat, India in 1973.
I would appreciate receiving his email address or other contact details.
Thanks
Ethi