North Shore Indian Association cordially invites you, your family, and your friends to celebrate our 17th Annual Navratri Dandiya-Garba Festival on Friday 9th October and Saturday 10th October 2026 at EventFinda Stadium (North Shore Events Centre), Silverfield, Off Porana Road, Glenfield.

This event offers FREE entry and FREE parking.

Highlights

What: Traditional Indian Gujarati Folk Dance – Garba & Dandiya with live traditional music

When: Friday 9th October & Saturday 10th October 2026

Where: EventFinda Stadium, Silverfield, Off Porana Road, Glenfield, North Shore City

Time: 7.00 pm onwards

Entry & Car Parking: Free

Why Do We Celebrate Navratri?

Every Indian festival has a purpose and deep spiritual significance. Navratri is celebrated not only for joy and togetherness but also to honour the Divine Mother and the positive energy that sustains the universe.

It is the divine power that provides the energy for the Earth to move around the Sun, bringing about seasonal changes in nature. We express our gratitude to this divine energy for maintaining the balance of the universe.

As nature changes, our bodies and minds also experience change. Climate and solar influences affect our energy levels. When our energy is high, Sattva (purity and positivity) increases, making us more dynamic, enthusiastic, creative, and joyful. When our energy is low, Tamas (inertia and negativity) increases, leading to emotions such as greed, jealousy, hatred, and fear.

According to our ancient sages, during the month of Bhadrapada, energy levels are at their lowest. To help uplift our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, they established a sequence of sacred observances.

The first ten days are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, seeking wisdom and the removal of obstacles. This is followed by Shraddha, a period of remembering and honouring our ancestors. Reflecting on the love and memories shared with our grandparents and loved ones fills our hearts with gratitude and positivity, raising our spiritual energy.

Then, beginning on the first day of Ashwin, we celebrate Navratri—nine nights dedicated to worshipping Goddess Durga, the eternal source of strength and divine energy.

The real battle of Navratri is not against an external demon like Mahishasura, but against the inner enemies within ourselves. The ten days (including Vijaya Dashami) symbolise overcoming ten negative qualities:

Kaam (Lust)

Krodh (Anger)

Lobh (Greed)

Moh (Attachment)

Ahankar (Ego)

Darr (Fear)

Irsha (Jealousy)

Jadta (Inertia)

Nafrat (Hatred)

Paschataap (Guilt)

Each day, we make a commitment to overcome one of these negative qualities. On the tenth day, Vijaya Dashami symbolises the victory of goodness, wisdom, and positivity over all negativity.

What is the Significance of Navratri?

During Navratri, we worship the Divine Energy of God in the form of the Universal Mother, Goddess Durga, whose name literally means "the remover of suffering." She is also known as Devi or Shakti, representing divine energy and power.

It is this divine energy that enables the work of creation, preservation, and transformation in the universe. God is eternal and unchanging, while the Divine Mother, through Her energy, manifests all activity in creation.

Our worship of Shakti also reflects a profound scientific truth: energy can neither be created nor destroyed—it only changes form. Navratri reminds us to awaken that divine energy within ourselves, to strengthen our minds and hearts, and to live with compassion, courage, and positivity.