05:20PM, Tuesday 23 September 2025
Community groups in Maidenhead and Slough are celebrating Navratri this week with rituals and festive dance performances.
The auspicious Hindu festival is observed over nine nights to welcome the Goddess Durga after she triumphs over evil, defeating the demon Mahishasura.
To mark the occasion, devotees perform prayers and participate in cultural activities such as Garba and Dandiya Raas.
These folk dances, performed with wooden sticks, hail from the Indian state of Gujarat, and several events have been organised around the area.
Slough Mitra Mandal hosted Ghumar Raas Garba Night at Langley College on Saturday, featuring a live band by RKB Entertainment.
Slough Mitra Mandal committee member Mandar Mirashi said they were ‘thrilled’ that the Raas Garba Night was a ‘huge success’.
Guests enjoyed delicacies at food stalls set up by Crispy Dosa in Windsor, Swad Kitchen in Maidenhead and The Cake Jar Co.
“We saw an incredible turnout, with families, friends, and community members all coming together to celebrate,” he added.
“Around 350 people joined the event with vibrant outfits, dancing to the energetic music; the joy and unity on the dance floor were truly heartwarming.
“It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and new ones coming together to celebrate the spirit of Navratri with such enthusiasm.”
A Maidenhead community group will host the town’s second Garba event with a range of food and clothing stalls this weekend.
After a successful inaugural event last year, the Gujarati community group is hosting Raas Garba and Dandiya at Furze Platt Senior School on Saturday.
The sold-out event will feature a live band accompanying the music group, Vandana Somaia.
Organiser Pramod Bhoj said: "After drawing over 400 attendees in 2024... we’re proud to return with even more energy, reach, and impact."
Langley College plays host to another ‘ultimate’ Garba Dandiya Night this weekend too.
Bollywood Events UK is inviting guests for a ‘dazzling celebration of Navratri through dance, music, colour, and community’ on Saturday.
The night will include traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas, blended with Bollywood beats, street food stalls, and a Desi bazaar.
There will also be Mehndi, a Garba workshop and prizes for best dressed and best dancer.
For tickets, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2hxr27rn
Indian Diaspora in the UK (IDUK) has partnered with Kric Events to host a Disco Dandiya Night at Slough Cricket Club next month.
The ‘unforgettable’ evening of family fun on Saturday, October 4, promises food and mocktail stalls, a 360° Photo Booth and prizes for the Best Dressed Couple and Best Dressed Kid.
For tickets, visit https://tinyurl.com/yb7cvefx
Slough Hindu Mandir has been hosting traditional Garba and Dandiya Raas daily since the start of Navratri on Monday, September 22.
A children’s Garba will take place this Sunday for youngsters aged 8-12 at 1pm and 13–16-year-olds from 2.30pm, with a Navratri aarti in between.
Professional dance teacher Shri Ronak Patakji will lead Raas Garba sessions, and prashad will be served after the event.
At the end of Navratri, the temple will hold a Dussehra celebration to mark the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, as preparations begin for Diwali, which falls 20 days later and commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya.
Photos by Parag Joshi
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