Japanese & Korean women dance group Chhail Chhabili perform Gujarati Garba at Navratri Mahotsav

GURUGRAM: The 9^th Day of the 9-day long Navratri Mahotsav 2024 was very special as hundreds of Gujarati community people including women and children were left awe-struck with scintillating garba dance performance by the Japanese & Korean women dance group Chhail Chhabili on Friday in Gurugram.

Organised by Shree Gujarati Samaj Gurgaon (SGSG), the 18^th edition Navratri Mahotsav was thronged by hundreds of fully-charged Gujarati community people including women and children who danced to the tunes of garba and dandiya in their traditional style. But the Chhail Chhabili dance group including dynamic Ajiki san, a Zumba instructor, and Kobayashi san, Taki san, Koyama san, Jin san, Tejima san, Kidani san, Oguchi san,and Sanada san stunned them all with their electrifying garba performance. The performance was choreographed by Ravija Verma.

The word Chhail Chhabili is derived from the Hindi language dictionary, and it generally used for a happening women devoted to style and fashion. All group members were seen clad in traditional Gujarati Garba attires while performing to give their performance a natural Gujarati flavour.

Before performing in a solo group, the Chhail Chhabili members also performed garba with the Gujarati community people who enjoyed this inter-cultural mix. One of the close companions of the group and garba enthusiasts Shailee Mayur Shah along with other Gujarati women was seen dancing full throttle with Japanese and Korean women.

“It is an unforgettable experience to perform garba with Japanese and Korean women who practice hard for the performance and come fully prepared to justify their role. We were thrilled to see them dancing so perfectly without a flaw,” Shailee added.

The group embarked on a remarkable journey to master the high-intensity and energy-packed Garba dance, with an impressionable display of panache and dedication. The same group had performed last year too during the 17^th edition of Navratri Mahotsav.

For the Gujarati community, the Navratri Mahotsav celebrations this year again was again unforgettable as the event tasted the global flavor with Japanese and Korean women joining the event and dancing to the scintillating beats of the traditional Gujarati Garba as apt as the natives would do.

The fusion of cultures two district yes common with many similarities cultures that left a lasting impression.

The SGSG Navratri Mahotsav, a nine-day extravaganza, has been a cornerstone event for the thriving Gujarati community in Gurgaon since 2006. It has been a platform for celebrating the spirit of Navratri, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat, and fostering a sense of togetherness within the community. This year marked the 18^th edition of the event, and it lived up to its reputation of being an authentic and energetic Garba extravaganza.

Avinash Trivedi, General Secretary of Shree Gujarati Samaj Gurgaon, said, “The highlight of the evening was also the overwhelming support and cheers from the Gujarati community, that encouraged the Chhail Chhabili group with enthusiasm at every beat. This heartening display of unity and appreciation exemplified the essence of cultural harmony that SGSG strives to promote.”

According to Avinash Trivedi Gurugran the presence of Gajarati community has witnessed a significant rise in last one year and the number of Gajaratis grew by about 40% during this time.

“The number of Gujarati families in Gurgugram has grown from 300 to 500 in the last one year, which means the total number of Gujarati people in this city has grown to over 2000. The SGSG has been organizing many events for the community since the year 2006. These include Sneh Milan, Nav Varsh Milan (Bestu Varsh), Holi Milan, and others throughout the year,” Avinash Trivedi added.

Trivedi expressed his delight with the event and its significance. He emphasized, “SGSG is dedicated to preserving and promoting Gujarati culture, heritage, and values. The Navratri Mahotsav is one of our flagship events, bringing people together not just from the Gujarati community, but from all sections of society. SGSG acts as a bridge, connecting Gurgaon with Gujarat, and this performance by Chhail Chhabili exemplifies our commitment to fostering cultural harmony.”

The Chhel Chabili group was equally thrilled to perform in front of an authentic Garba-loving audience, and they were overjoyed by the warm reception they received. Their performance truly transcended cultural boundaries, creating a beautiful synergy between East Asian and Gujarati traditions.

The SGSG Navratri Mahotsav 2024 has not only captivated the hearts of Gurgaon residents but also drawn attendees from across the Delhi NCR region. It has become a symbol of unity and cultural exchange, where people from diverse backgrounds come together to celebrate the joyous festival of Navratri.

This remarkable event once again proves that cultural diversity can be a unifying force, transcending borders and bringing people together in a celebration of life and tradition. SGSG, with its commitment to preserving and promoting Gujarati culture, continues to be a catalyst for bridging cultures and fostering unity in Gurgaon.

Related article: Shree Gujarat Samaj Gurgaon (SGSG) Celebrates 18th edition of its 9-day long Navratri Mahotsav 2024 with fervor and ecstasy.