Major Hindu Goddess Durga protects the universe from evil. Often depicted riding a lion or tiger, she represents divine feminine powers and motherhood.
Kew Gardens-based Vivarta Arts leads an homage to Durga, Garba Around the Globe, near the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 5 pm.
Dance is at the center of this celebration, and Vivarta Arts will organize Navratri Garba, a community circle dance that exalts life’s cyclical nature while noting that God always remains unchanged. Dandiya — which is similar to Garba, but dancers form two circles in which they face each other — is also on the agenda. So are various Indian street food vendors. Plus, DJ Magic Mike is ready to create an electrifying atmosphere with Indian and Desi hits and there will be live dholi playing.
Tickets cost $20 at the door, but $15 online before Sept. 13.
All are invited and colorful outfits are encouraged. Comfortable footwear, too.
Vivarta Arts Artistic and Executive Director Preya Patel is a master in Kathak or Classical North Indian dance. In addition to teaching, she’s performed all over the world and choregraphed various wedding dances that aired on the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress.” Her troupe has performed all around the borough, sometimes as part of the Queensboro Dance Festival
Images: Vivarta Arts