Mangaluru: Rajasthan Samaj celebrated Navaratri with three days of cultural and religious programmes at the Umiyadham Temple premises in Alake from October 17, bringing together members of the Rajasthani community to celebrate their traditions and promote peace, cultural preservation and social harmony.
Hundreds of Rajasthani families who have been living in Mangaluru for decades participated in the celebrations. The annual event provided an opportunity for community members to come together, observe Navaratri traditions and pass on their cultural heritage to younger generations.
The main attractions were traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas performances presented in the Rajasthani style. Women and children participated enthusiastically, adding colour and energy to the festivities.
Garba and Dandiya take centre stage
Garba and Dandiya Raas are among the best-known traditional dance forms associated with Navaratri celebrations in western India. The performances bring people together through rhythmic movements, music and traditional attire.
At the Umiyadham Temple premises, members of Rajasthan Samaj took part in the dances, maintaining the traditional style that has become a special feature of the association’s annual Navaratri programme.
Women and children were actively involved in the celebrations, making the event an occasion for families to participate together. The performances also offered younger members of the community an opportunity to learn about and experience the traditions associated with their cultural roots.
The celebrations focused not only on religious observance but also on strengthening bonds among families who have made Mangaluru their home while continuing to preserve their Rajasthani identity.
Rajasthan Samaj promotes cultural heritage
Rajasthan Samaj has been active in Mangaluru for more than two decades and has emerged as an association working to preserve and promote Rajasthani culture in the coastal city.
Many families associated with the organisation have lived in Mangaluru for several decades. Despite being settled away from their home state, they continue to observe traditional festivals and organise cultural programmes that bring the community together.
The association currently has around 250 member families, many of whom are engaged in business.
Through annual celebrations such as Navaratri, the organisation provides a platform for members to maintain their cultural practices, strengthen community relationships and introduce younger generations to traditional customs.
The festival also creates opportunities for interaction between generations, with children participating alongside adults in the dances and other activities.
Celebration emphasises peace and fellowship
The three-day celebration was centred on the promotion of peace, cultural preservation and fellowship. By bringing families together at the temple premises, Rajasthan Samaj continued its tradition of marking Navaratri through collective participation and cultural expression.
For members of the Rajasthani community living in Mangaluru, the annual festival serves as a link to their cultural heritage while allowing them to celebrate alongside the wider coastal community.
The active participation of women and children reflected the role of families in keeping traditions alive. The Garba and Dandiya performances remained the highlight of the programme, combining devotion with music, dance and community interaction.
President Mayashankar Bohra, secretary Lalit Vyas, treasurer Bharat Jain, event coordinator Bhallab Maheshwari and other office-bearers were present during the celebrations.
The Navaratri programme once again highlighted Rajasthan Samaj’s efforts to preserve its community’s cultural identity while promoting peace, unity and social harmony in Mangaluru.