Navratri 2009 is getting great response in Social Networking sites. Festival mania has already created a rocking hype for them. In spite of recession worldwide, this years Navaratri is expected to set all-time record in terms of business. But, it is a rare case where the Navratri is on the peak this time on Social Networking Sites.
Times of India writes:
- Five nights of non-stop dancing – the Gujarati expatriate community is gearing up for garbas which will begin with a bang on Saturday. Social networking sites are chock-a-block with posts on various garba events in the US, UK, Australia, Kenya and a host of other countries where Gujaratis have settled. More than 100 garbas are already listed on the internet.
- The Indian community abroad is already confirming attendance at garbas to be held on September 19, 20, 25, 26, and 27. Roshni Mehta of Loxford School of Science and Technology writes, ‘garbaaaaa.. whoopp whoopp..” on her social networking site. Another post from Mital Badiyani from Perth reads, “can’t miss dat…looking forward.” Social networking site Facebook is not only listing garba events to be held abroad, but also charting out dress codes, parking and ticket charges.
- In New Zealand, it’s the Indo Kiwi Cricket Club hosting garba in Auckland. Gujarati Samaj of Addison is arranging a garba especially for children. Regular raas garbas will follow with pizzas for kids (as prasad). The garba at Mirrabooka town of Australia will take place between 8 pm and 2 am, longer than most events in Gujarat. For action-packed garba, Menai in Sydney is the place to be. This year, Gujarati garba and dandiya raas will be celebrated like never before at Menai, claim organizers.
- Majority garba events are registered in England. An organizer writes, “The Leicester Navratri Festival 2009 is being organized under Leicester Navratri Project. The aim of this project is to promote Gujarati (Hindu) culture in Leicester and provide festival goers with an alternative experience different than any other Navratri festival promoted in Leicester.”
- In New York, Navratri will don a different look. An NRI has roped in a DJ with a fashion show and hookahs during dandiya. “This is the right place to try something new this year. No stalls, no mehndi.” The dress code mentioned is traditional gear and western classy outfits. From Stanford to Sydney, Gujaratis across the globe are planning Navratri. But all the events are on weekends only.