The Navartri festival began in full swing in Gujarat. Chief Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Vibrant Gujarat Navaratri Mohatsav on Saturday 19^th September at university ground Ahmedabad.

Narendra Modi commenced the function by lighting the lamp and a welcome speech. Based on the theme of Shaktini Saptadhara, the festival was jointly organized by Gujarat Government and Gujarat Industrial Navaratri Festival Society.

The event was highlighted by his welcome speech where he mentioned,” the people of Gujarat are known to be calculative when it comes to business and money, but this event has shown that they also know how to enjoy and celebrate. The Navratri festival would infuse new life into the society. I welcome all the artists who have come to take part in the festival. Navratri is a festival of Shakti –Puja and Garba and Dandiya-Ras has earned global appeal.”

Stellar performances by artists from various states like Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Goa, Hariyana, West Bengal and Assam, innovative competitions involving new costumes, new music and inventive themes, marked the event.

A state level Garba competition organized under the same roof for all the 9 nights, a cash prize of up to 51000 rupees, an open entry for all, 64 food stalls catering to the massive audience and an extensive pavilion showcasing youth, tourism, heritage and environment, exemplified the vision of Chief Minister Narendra Modi.