Pratik Gandhi to Return to Surat for Navratri Celebrations After 20 Years
Actor misses the contagious energy and bright atmosphere of his hometown during the festival
Since moving from Gujarat to Mumbai 20 years ago, Pratik Gandhi's memories of Navratri celebrations have become rather hazy. However, the actor intends to return to his birthplace this year to relive the special moments from his youth. I want to spend at least a few days in Surat during Navratri because of the city's contagious energy and bright atmosphere, he says.
Gandhi remembers the special appeal of Surat's garba and dandiya nights, which are very different from the occasions hosted in Mumbai. These ancient dance styles have a strong cultural foundation. When people gather to play garba and worship, there is a noticeable difference in the attitude of unity and joy. I can't recall ever purchasing tickets to these events. Alag maza hota hai chote shehron mein aise festivals. He explains, "Waha har din ka alag khaana hota hai, bazaaro mein jaakar kapde khareedne ka maza hota hai." Gandhi says that despite the fact that Mumbai holds lavish celebrations for Navratri, it lacks the natural beauty and genuineness that he associated with his hometown. "Garba and dandiya nights have become more commercialized in Mumbai. Instead of enjoying the true essence of these traditional dances, it's more about buying tickets to organized events, the expert reveals.
And he finds this to be bothersome. He notes, "I sometimes worry that my daughter won't be able to enjoy the same depth of cultural diversity that I did as a child. Because of this, the actor from The Scam (1992) makes it a point to explain to his daughter the significance of these festivals and their associated customs. She is a member of the current generation, which demands accurate scientific justifications for everything. In order to explain why we fast during the Navratras, why we shouldn't consume non-vegetarian food during this time, why Dusshera is celebrated, and other things, I have to read up on these topics. And I have no doubt that she will see and experience what I did while growing up in Gujarat during her trip there. I wish her to discover these things and comprehend the rationale for our actions, he declares.
When in Mumbai, the festivities typically revolve around attending Dandiya nights. "A number of my pals participate in Navratra performances. I therefore go see them and go to the activities with my family. In addition, we visit pandals and spend time together at home. However, there is one act we do yearly with complete faith. "Humaare ghar me 9 din tak akahand diya jaalaya jaata hai and we all make sure it's done in a proper way," he concludes.
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