[Photograph of young girls dancing at a Navratri event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia in Vancouver]

Photograph of young girls dancing at a Navratri event organized by the Gujarati Society of British Columbia at the Windermere Secondary School in Vancouver, B.C.

Navratri, in Hinduism, is a major festival held in honour of the divine feminine, goddess Durga. Navratri occurs over 9 days during the month of Ashvin (in the Gregorian calendar, usually September-October). The festival is celebrated differently in India's various regions. For many people it is a time of religious reflection and fasting, while for others it is a time for dancing and feasting. Dances performed include garba, especially in Gujarat. Garba is a type of Indian dance commonly performed at festivals and on other special occasions in the state of Gujarat. In addition to family observances, the puja, or ritual, days are also celebrated with public concerts, recitations, plays, and fairs.

Founded in 1969, the Gujarati Society of British Columbia is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit by connecting and supporting both youth and seniors through events and activities, such as Diwali celebrations, Navratri festivals, and bhajans.

Named for a lake in the Columbia Valley of British Columbia, Windermere is a secondary school located on the East side of Vancouver.
It celebrates cultural diversity, while offering a diverse range of courses and programs aiming to be a dynamic and inclusive high school.