Indian community of Clarksville to celebrate Navratri holiday with events this weekend

CLARKSVILLE, TN – Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honor of divine femininity. It literally translates to “nine nights,” which is how long the festival is observed in India, mostly in honor of the goddesses Parvati and Durga. Hindu cultures across the globe celebrate the holiday in various ways such as cultural dance, fasting, fireworks and food.

Here in Clarksville and its neighboring towns, the Hindu Indian community comes together for one night of celebration for Navratri through prayer to these goddesses, dressing in colorful cultural clothing, cooking a potluck of food and offerings, and most notably taking part in the Gujarati cultural dance of garba. Garba is a native dance to the state of Gujarat in India performed around a lit lamp called the garba deep. It is performed in a circle and is enjoyed by everyone from toddlers, elder grandparents, and friends to the Indian community.

This year, we are asking our community members to bring clothing donations as we gather to celebrate such an auspicious occasion in an effort to give back to the Clarksville community. All donations will be distributed to Bella’s Closet, YAIPak Outreach, and cultural clothing will be sent to NGOs in Ahmedabad, India.

The Navratri festival will be held at The Emerald on Friday, Oct. 13, starting at 6:30 p.m. All are invited, and there is no entry fee.

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