Shelburne Ethnic Group celebrates Navrati at Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex

October 7, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Shelburne Ethnic Group gathered to celebrate Navrati at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex on Saturday, Sept. 27, in a colourful and lively event.

Navratri, meaning ‘nine nights,’ is one of India’s most vibrant and spiritually significant festivals, dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.

While it is celebrated with devotion across the country, the Gujarat and the Gujarati community hold a unique distinction in the way this festival is observed.

In Gujarat, Navratri is not only a religious occasion but also a grand cultural expression, marked by the world-famous Garba dance. Each evening, people dressed in colorful traditional attire gather in open grounds and community spaces to perform Garba in large circles, moving rhythmically to the beats of drums and folk songs.

The dance is performed around a decorated earthen pot with a lamp inside, symbolizing the eternal energy of the Goddess. The festival brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, creating an atmosphere of unity, joy, and devotion.

For Gujaratis, Navratri is both a celebration of faith and a proud showcase of their rich cultural heritage, which has now gained global recognition as communities across the world carry forward the tradition of Garba with the same enthusiasm.

Reflecting this spirit, the Shelburne Ethnic Group “Dufferin Garba Night – 2025” in Shelburne. The celebration witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of more than 200 people.

Dressed in vibrant attire, attendees enjoyed an evening filled with traditional Garba dancing, authentic Gujarati food, and festive cheer.

People from Shelburne, Orangeville, and surrounding areas came together to celebrate, making the event a true reflection of cultural pride, community spirit, and the joy of Navratri.