The Indian festival of Navratri (a nine day festival in praise of Goddess Durga and the divine feminine powers) is celebrated throughout India. In the state of Gujarat, the festival is often marked by ceremonies and celebrated through the folk dances of garba and dandiya. Garba, which is danced in a large circle (many times circles within circles as many people attend) is marked by the clapping of hands to the rhythm of the music. Dandiya is similar however there are two circles in which the participants face each other, hit their sticks together to the beat of six, and then move to another participant. The event planned commences with Queens based Vivarta Arts Performing troupe presenting some folk inspired dances, followed by lessons for the public to learn how to dance along for the main segment of the event when the area opens up to all for an evening of community dancing and music for all to participate in. There will be pre-event workshops to fund raise and teach interested people more complicated steps.

Learn more: https://vivartaarts.com/
 

This project is supported by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, Statewide Community Regrants Program (formerly the Decentralization program) with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, and administered by Flushing Town Hall.