A group of Gujaratis, stranded in Uttarakhand due to a landslide, turned their misfortune into a moment of joy by dancing garba on a scenic road. The lively performance, captured on video, has since gone viral across social media platforms, garnering thousands of views and heartwarming reactions.
Stuck Due to Landslide
On September 14, heavy rainfall triggered a landslide in Uttarakhand, leading to a massive 8-10 km traffic jam on the route to Gangotri. Among those affected was Viraj, who shared his experience with HT.com. “It had been raining for three days straight, and landslides were predicted. As I was heading toward Gangotri, we encountered the jam caused by the landslide,” he said.
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Making the Most of Their Time
Faced with the possibility of a six-to-ten-hour wait for the roads to clear, the group of Gujaratis decided to make the most of the situation. “A group of Gujaratis thought that playing garba was the best way to pass the time,” Viraj explained. Soon, others, including Viraj’s parents, joined in, creating an impromptu dance party on the road.
A Celebration of Culture
For about an hour, the stranded group danced to traditional garba tunes, bringing a slice of Gujarati culture to the mountains of Uttarakhand. Afterward, the group shared snacks, including theplas and khakhras, making the wait more bearable. Viraj described the experience as “funny and beautiful,” adding, “Random Gujaratis in a remote village united to make the best of their time.”
Viral Moment on Social Media
Viraj shared a video of the spontaneous garba performance on X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly went viral. The video has been met with amused comments, with one user calling it “Navratri ki taiyari (Navratri prep),” while others lauded the upbeat spirit of Gujaratis, saying, “Gujjus are the best people I have known.”
Despite the challenges posed by the landslide, the group found a way to lift their spirits, demonstrating resilience and a joyful celebration of their culture.