Dola Re Garba: Celebrating Navratri and the Power of Community

By Rhiannon Jenkins, News Sub-Editor

On the 12th of October, 17 universities were invited, and over 400 students from across the South of England attended Dola Re Garba at the University of Bristol’s Student Union to celebrate Navratri. Hosted in collaboration with the Bristol SU, the Bristol Hindu Society, and the National Hindu Students’ Forum (NHSF), the event included exhilarating Nritya Kathak and Taal Band performances, as well as a stunning dance from the Bristol Bollywood Society.

Garba, a dance native to Gujarat, is central to Navratri celebrations, which honour the Hindu Goddess Durga, embodying divine feminine strength and empowerment. Participants dance in circular formations, symbolising the cycle of life while paying homage to the goddess's nine forms. Dola Re Garba went beyond just showcasing Indian culture; it provided students with an opportunity to connect with their heritage and create lasting memories with friends.

Bristol Hindu Society and NHSF: Building Community

Hosted by the Bristol Hindu Society in collaboration with the National Hindu Students’ Forum (NHSF), the event included exhilarating Nritya Kathak and Taal Band performances, as well as a stunning dance from the Bristol Bollywood Society.

Bristol Hindu Society and NHSF: Building Community

The NHSF, one of the largest Hindu student organisations outside of India, unites over 40 Hindu societies from universities and schools across the UK. Its work extends beyond hosting events, as it also represents students on important issues such as combating Hinduphobia and advocating for access to education and employment. During Dola Re Garba, NHSF representatives encouraged attendees who were less familiar with Navratri to learn about the festival's significance and engage in the customs.

The Bristol Hindu Society, who were instrumental in organising the event, offers a welcoming space for students to explore Hindu traditions. It runs a wide range of activities, from cultural celebrations and dance classes to weekly Aarti sessions and sports. Events like Dola Re Garba, the Jyoti Diwali Ball, and East Meets West provide opportunities to experience Hindu culture in a fun and inclusive environment.

The Taal Band performing. Image courtesy of Shivam Patel

A Sense of Belonging

For many, Dola Re Garba was about fostering community and finding a sense of belonging. Sarita, Co-President of the Bristol Hindu Society, reflected on how joining the society gave her a sense of comfort when she first moved to Bristol.

"We’re really excited to be hosting the South Zone Navratri today; this event means a lot by bringing several cultures together… not just Hindus but all of our friends to an event in celebration of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of divine female empowerment or shakti".

The event also gave many the chance to learn more about their cultural roots. Another student shared...

"I've never attended a Garba before, but it is my culture, and it's really nice coming to uni and tapping into that culture. Especially since I’ve grown up in the UK, I’ve not really been to big events like this before, so for me, it's amazing that the university does stuff like this"

Dance, Music, and Festivities

The atmosphere at Dola Re Garba was absolutely electric, with attendees dressed in vibrant traditional attire and dancing to energetic music.

As Vice Chancellor Evelyn Welch, a historian of early modern European fashion, observed, the "intensely colourful, beautiful fabrics" created a spectacular visual as dancers moved around a statue of the goddess Durga. Vice Chancellor Welch spoke with Epigram to remark on the importance of events like this, saying,

"Its wonderful Bristol is able to host such a fantastic celebration… an amazing, colourful, religious but also social event."

It's a good sign of the South West's cultural diversity, and by coming together from Plymouth, Exeter, Cardiff, Bath, we can foster a sense of belonging across the region."

Dance workshops earlier in the week helped prepare participants, whether seasoned Garba dancers or first-timers.

The Nritya Kathak Performance Team. Image courtesy of Shivam Patel

Honouring Tradition and Fostering Connections

Attending Dola Re Garba was not just about celebrating Navratri, but also about sharing in their friends’ culture and supporting those who had worked organising the event. "I'm here to cheer on my flat mate who’s worked so hard to make this happen” one student shared.

The sense of community you could sense at the event was powerful. As the NHSF Project Manager of the event shared “even though Garba isn’t a tradition I grew up with, it's a time where you just feel so powerful, you celebrate the strength of Durga Maa, you meet so many people, and of course have good food.”

From savoury treats like Chilli Paneer and Pav Bhaji, to sweets like Gulab Jamun, The Pani Puri - a hollow wheat shell filled with chickpeas, potatoes, and tangy tamarind sauce - was my personal favourite. Those at the event made me feel so welcome and were keen to share with me this piece of their rich culture. The night was truly a testament to friendship, unity, and the celebration of an incredible custom.

The commitment of the Bristol Hindu Society and NHSF to hosting Dola Re Garba has undoubtedly made a significant impact on the students who attended. By offering a sense of familiarity and comfort, they created an opportunity for students to reconnect with their cultural roots while fostering cultural exchange. This event not only celebrated Navratri but also showcased the beauty, vibrancy, and warmth of Indian culture at the University of Bristol.

Presidents of the Bristol Hindu Society with the NHSF Project Manager and Bristol Chapter Buddy. Image courtesy of Shivam Patel