North Penn hosts its annual Garba Night, a 25-year tradition. Many students from Indian backgrounds celebrate Garba, a traditional Gujarati dance festival that originated in Gujarat, India. It is the largest Hindu festival in Gujarat which is celebrated in the month of October to honor Durga (the Hindu goddess of strength and protection, who celebrates the defeat of evil) in her nine different forms representing nine days of Navratri symbolizing the defeat of evil by good . Even though Garba originates from Gujaratis all over India, regardless of their ethnicity, they celebrate the festival.

It’s 6 p.m., and throngs of students and families file into the North Penn Navy gym dressed in traditional attire, women wearing multi-colored chaniya cholis (long, flowing skirts) and men wearing kurtas. In addition to the principal, North Penn assistant principals and faculty attended, dressed traditionally and participated in the event. While the DJ plays traditional music in the background. Meanwhile, people dance in a circular motion with single movements with the Durga photo in the middle.

“Garba is a huge tradition in my family. Ever since I was little, I went to the big ones in Philadelphia or the small ones just with family friends. North Penn Garba is the first Garba that made me feel independent and feel that I am independently choosing to carry on cultural traditions. I’ve been going since 9 and every time it’s been so much fun,” said North Penn junior Jiya Shah.

There was half time when people could buy drinks and food. Popular guest favorites were the vegetable samosa and Manchurian gobi.

The traditional folk dance is where people spin in a circle with special moves that formed in Gujarat. Some people use the dandiya (stick), which represents a sword. Traditional dance involves dancing around a Garba Deep (clay lantern), which symbolizes life, or a photo of Goddess Durga.

“This is Mrs. Byrnes and I’s third year with the ICA club. I respect every culture and Garba is one of my favorite events. I grew up in a small town where Muslim families were surrounded by Hindu families. I love the diverse environment at NPHS and it feels like home to me. I saw Indian Republican Night in 2011, students did extremely well in the show. My mission is always to elevate the club and diversity to fit into the culture of North Penn,” explained Councilor Syeda Mirza.

Halfway through the end of the event, everyone gathered around a photo of Goddess Durga to do aarti (clapping and singing along with the holy song. The purpose of Aarti is to remove negativity and bring positive energy into your life.

The purpose of this event is to bring communities together and understand each other’s backgrounds. The cost of entrance fee and food goes towards good costs; senior scholarships and charity.