Foreign envoys to India from Afghanistan and Denmark joined External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in embracing the grand Navratri celebration that is currently taking place in Vadodara, Gujarat, and paid tribute to India’s rich cultural history.
They expressed their delight after taking part in the celebrations, which included thousands of people performing the iconic Navaratri dance called Garba. The well-run event probably improved India’s reputation for soft power around the world as it attracted foreign delegates.
“I am so full of joy and happiness. I wish all Indians across the world a happy Navratri and may the light break the darkness,” Danish Ambassador Freddy Svane said.
“It’s so fantastic, so amazing, it is just awesome. This is an incredible India indeed. I just love it,” said the High Commissioner of the Republic of Botswana to India, Gilbert Shimane Mangole.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also performed an “aarti” of Maa Durga during the occasion on Saturday.
“It is a matter of pride that we have come here with officials from different countries. They will spend the day enjoying the festivities as the Navratri festival is on. They are excited to see the development here,” Jaishankar said after meeting the delegates and ambassadors.
Denis Alipov, the ambassador for Russia, who went under the name “Russie Rajdoot,” also took part in the festivities. He stated, “Bohot shaandar mahotsav hai (It’s an amazing festival).”
Kamlesh Prakash, the Republic of Fiji’s High Commissioner, was astounded to take part in Garba.
“He said, “Garba shows why people in Gujarat are happy, Modi magic is, of course, there to galvanise people like a magnet.”
“India and Tanzania have a special connection as most Indians living in Tanzania come from Gujarat, so this is a special moment for me,” said Tanzanian High Commissioner Anisa K Mbega.
“I thank all Gujaratis from the people of Afghanistan for giving us such love and respect,” said Afghanistan’s Ambassador, Farid Mamundzay.
The Navratri festival commemorates Goddess Durga’s killing of the demonic Mahishasura as the triumph of good over evil. The tenth day of Sharad Navratri is observed as Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra.
Devotees worship Maa Durga in her nine forms over the course of the nine-day festival in order to obtain her blessings for a rich and happy life. People observe fasts, chant shlokas, don new garments, and offer “bhog” to the goddess throughout these nine days.
Navratri this year began on September 26 and will end on October 5.