Manasi Parekh Gohil, Deven Bhojani, Gulki Joshi, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Gautam Rode and other celebs recall their most memorable Navratri celebrations

Manasi Parekh Gohil, Deven Bhojani, Gulki Joshi, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Gautam Rode and other celebs recall their most memorable Navratri celebrations
Gulki Joshi, Manasi Parekh and Parthiv Gohil. Deven Bhojani, Devoleena Bhattacharjee, Gautam Rode, Yuvika Chaudhary

Navratri is as much about cherished memories as it is about music, dance and festive fervour. From dancing to garba beats and making memories to childhood competitions and teenage crushes, celebs tell us what is the best memory that stayed with them over the years.My best Navratri memory was dancing to Parthiv’s singing when I was pregnant with Nirvi: Manasi Parekh GohilMy favourite Navratri memory is from many years ago, when I was pregnant with Nirvi and dancing to Parthiv (Gohil), my husband, singing at a garba event. We both enjoyed it so much, and I felt our daughter was celebrating with us. Today, Nirvi dances with us while Parthiv performs, and it feels wonderful. I like to think she knew the garba beats even before she was born because I celebrated Navratri dancing when I was pregnant with her.I always won second prize because the first was reserved for the society members’ children: Deven BhojaniAs a child, I loved garba and would visit neighbouring societies with friends, especially those with live music. My two younger sisters would throw tantrums if I didn’t take them along, so I would sometimes sneak out beforehand. Otherwise, I had to look after them instead of enjoying myself with my friends. I won second prize four times during weekend competitions, but the first prize always seemed reserved for the society’s committee members’ children. I hated that bias, but I miss those days!Dancing to Falguni Pathak’s garba in colourful traditional outfits is my fondest memory:Devoleena BhattacharjeeOne of my most cherished Navratri memories is dancing to Falguni Pathak’s music. She sings Gujarati songs so beautifully that it is impossible to stand still. My friends and I would dance late into the night in traditional outfits. I always look forward to attending her performances. I love festivals for their lights, colours and food. For us, Durga Puja is also special, as it begins on the fifth day of Navratri.My entire building motivated me to dance to garba during Navratri: Gautam RodeI was never a garba fan and have hardly danced, but when I moved into a new home in the suburbs, the entire building would celebrate Navratri together. I have always enjoyed playing garba with my neighbours. The colours, dancing and festive spirit made those celebrations special. I can never forget how everyone in the building came together to enjoy Navratri.Navratri was about dressing up and secretly hoping my crush would notice me: Gulki JoshiMy Navratri memories take me back to my teenage years, when I wanted to look my best and catch my crush’s attention. I would dress differently every day, put extra effort into my outfits and secretly hope they would notice. Choosing colours, trying new styles and wondering if they would ask me to dance made getting ready exciting. It was about the butterflies, stolen glances and the hope that someone special might notice me a little more than the day before.My favourite garba memories are of dancing and laughing with friends late into the night:Yuvika ChaudharyOne of my favourite Navratri memories is dancing my heart out to the dhol beats, surrounded by vibrant colours, beautiful traditional outfits and infectious energy. There is something magical about losing yourself in the music, laughing with friends and creating memories that stay with you forever. The unexpected moments, beautiful smiles and special connections make every garba night even more memorable.

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