Gujarat’s Navratri Festival, is “A Circle of Ecstasy” that throbs non-stop for nine nights with millions of fantastically costumed devotees swaying in a fusion of dance and devotion. Although this festival is celebrated throughout India, nowhere it is performed with more panache and fervor than in Gujarat.
The significance of Navratri is offering devotion to “Goddess Amba (Durga)”, who is believed to exist in many forms. These Goddesses are believed to be known as "Shakti" as the tales narrate their power over killing of demons. This is also an agrarian festival for celebrating the fertility of earth.”GARBO is a symbol of Universe and the lamp inside is the light of universe. Therefore this festival has a special significance in Rural Gujarat also. The remotest corner of Gujarat turned into a dance floor during these nine days. This year Doordarshan Kendra Ahmedabad moved out from the Studio and decided to telecast LIVE GARBA events from the different corners of Gujarat. Various Garba based programs were presented in a Garba bouquet “ Chundadiye Rang Layo” from 1st Oct to 10 th October, 2016. To give additional flavor to the content, Special Set was erected within DDK Studio to live comparing by inviting well known folk artist of Gujarat. “AARTIES” performed at famous temples of Goddesses of Gujarat were recorded which was an additional flower in GARBA bouquet. Garbas recorded in last years in DD Studio were repackaged and were presented in a special programme. A programme to demonstrate unique Dance Styles “GARBA STEPS” to the viewers added fragrance to the Garba Bouquet.LIVE GARBA were telecast from 9.30 PM to 11.00 PM on DD GIRNAR from “GMDC Ground, Ahmedabad” (State Level Garba event organized for nine nights by Gujarat Tourism) by deputing DDK, Ahmedabad “OB VAN” and from various place of Gujarat like Cara Garbi,Terwada, Bechraji, Junagadha, Chansama, Umiya temple, Ambaji, Surat, Rajkot & Ahmedabad by deputing two nos of MCU setup of DDK, Ahmedabad, This is for the second time in a row that Doordarshan has initiated for such extensive live telecast of this longest Dance festival. In absence of EFP Van ,this station made its own arrangement and deployed two nos of MCU Setup of DDK, Ahmedabad .The staff of DDK Ahmedabad worked day & night to left behind no stone unturned for quality output. DD-Girnar has tried to present the unique dance styles of different Regions of Gujarat with the perspective of Community Participation where there is no bar of Caste-creed, Class, Age or religion.
Initiative of “DD GIRNAR” is highly appreciated by the Viewers & Media. Kendra also earned revenue of more than 30 Lakhs. For wide publicity of the programme big size "Banners" were placed on the MCU setups , OB Van ,Fly away & DSNG vehicle. The signal was also made available on you tube for internet users.
Contributed by :- Shri. A K Gupta, DDE & HOO DDK Ahmedbad,ddkahmedabad@gmail.com