Anand Mahindra feels there is no place like Mumbai during Navaratri, hails youth doing garba on Marine Drive

This year Navaratri began on September 26. It is that time of the year when cities across the country are decked in the festive fervour of the nine-day festival. Garba, a traditional dance form that originated in Gujarat, is one of the highlights of the festival. Gujaratis across the world are seen organising and participating in this dance fest with pomp and gusto.

For Gujaratis, there is no need for a venue, almost any place can become the ideal spot to dance to the tunes of Raas and Garba. Mumbaikar’s witnessed a similar display of light-hearted Garba recently on the streets. A group of youth were seen dancing to the tunes of Gujarati folk music.

Industrialist Anand Mahindra who is known for his unique take on current affairs, took to his Twitter account to express his joy at the sight. In a light-hearted tweet, Mahindra said that the conquest and annexation of Mumbai’s streets were complete.


However, according to him, these were invaders who were welcomed with open arms. He went on to assert that there was no place like Mumbai during Navaratri. The Mahindra boss also issued a caveat stating that all the natives of Gujarat may protest against his claim.

“Mumbai, Marine drive. The conquest and annexation of Mumbai’s streets are complete. But these are invaders who are welcomed with open arms. No place like Mumbai during Navaratri. (I know I’m going to hear howls of protest from cities in Gujarat! ??),” read Mahindra’s tweet.
His tweet led to some interesting responses from his followers. While some extrapolated the number of Gujarati-speaking residents of Mumbai, others shared similar videos of people performing garba in other parts of India.

Navaratri essentially means ‘nine nights’, a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga - the feminine divinity and her nine forms. The festival is observed across India in various ways. From dancing before the goddess to a host of customs. In Gujarat, men and women engage in folk dance which is amplified by the traditional folk songs and beats. Many people also observe a fast or have a special diet prepared for the occasion. While Garba is integral to Navaratri, Gujaratis worldwide perform it on social occasions.