Navratri came in with a “buzz” as nine nights of music and dancing started last Thursday. Festivities began with a flash of colour at The Bolton Indian Sports Club in Darcy Lever on Thursday (October 3) and will last until October 11. Women, men and children whirled to the Hindu festival's traditional garba and dandiya dances.
An average of 250 people turned up for the festivities run by Bolton Hindu Community that lasted from 6pm to midnight. Kishor Patel, Vice Chair of the One Navratri Team, said: “People just love coming to the festival. There’s a real buzz.
“The nine nights are filled with traditional garba and dandiya dances, bringing communities together. “Everyone takes part in the dances, grandparents, families, children. “We have people singing religious songs as well.
Phil Brickell, MP for Bolton West (Image: Public) “ Phil Brickell , MP for Bolton West, came to our Navratri celebration on Saturday (October 5). “People told him to have a go at dancing and he did. “He enjoyed it.
He's a proper sport.” The festival is dedicated to the warrior goddess Durga and her nine forms. It represents the triumph of good over evil.
(Image: Public) Durga is said to have been created by the Gods to defeat the demon, Mahishasura. The demon wanted to marry her because of her beauty, but she would only accept if he defeated her in battle. They fought for ten days.
And Durga finally slayed him by turning him into a buffalo. Kishor said: “The festival is about fe.