“The festivals are like a map charting our spiritual progress in God”
Jai Shree Krishna ॐ Jai Durga Mataji
26th September 2012 Ref. Cultural Celebrations
Dearest Gnati Brothers and Sisters
We hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. The LMCA have been very busy preparing for the forthcoming celebrations. Please find details of the festivities:
This year’s music will be presented by renowned singers and musicians of Gujarat and is being led by Jeet Keshwala from Porbandar. Please note we are privileged to be able to invite the music group as they are very much in demand.
Navratri 2012 àTuesday 16th October – Wednesday 24th October 2012
Timescales: 7pm to 11.30pm prompt – Garba for ladies will begin at 7pm
Agenda: Garba, Dandia-Raas, 3-Tadi, Heech, Ranjanyu, Sanedo
(During less busy period’s of Navratri, should any Brothers, Sisters, Friends and Family wish to play mix Raas, with consideration to our traditions and respect to our Elders they are most welcome to. Announcements shall be made and we request for everyone to be prompt as the music team will be limited by time.)
** Please make sure to organise your share holder passes or tickets before Navratri**
Fancy Dress à Friday 19th October @ 8pm promptly (Entry numbers to be collected on Thursday)
Competition is open to boys and girls 14 years of age and under. Further information and entry numbers can be obtained from Tamuben Sida and Deviben Khunti. We strongly request participants to be in proper costumes. Judges will be looking for unique concepts and effort.
Arti Design à Friday 19th October @ 8pm promptly (Entry numbers to be collected on Thursday)
Arti plate decoration competition is open to children and adults. We would like to request our Elders to especially encourage children and take part in decorating an Arti plate. Further information and entry numbers can be obtained from Bhanuben Sida and Pushpaben Odedra.
Dress Code à Saturday 20th October
We encourage everyone to wear Maher Traditional Clothes on this day during which our Gnati Baheno’s can perform a customary Raasado and the Gents will have an opportunity to play Dandia-Raas to the dhol. (Optional).
Dance/Dress Competition à Saturday 20th October
Following last year’s success, there will be an opportunity for everyone to take part in a healthy competition. Please note, winners will be selected providing the participants are in costume as stated above ‘Maher Traditional Clothes’.
Raffle à Wednesday 24th October
Raffle draw with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes will be held at 10pm.
Dassera Havan à Saturday 27th October at 12pm
Our Gnati brothers and sisters are invited to attend Havan and Bhajan Celebrations during the day at 12pm. Should anyone wish to take part in the Havan, please register your name with Pratapbhai Lakhabhai Odedra or Geetaben Maheshbhai Karavadra who will be able to provide further information.
Important Information
à Share Holder Passes / Tickets: First of all, we give you our heartfelt thanks for being supportive of our decision to introduce a system of Shareholder Passes and Tickets (for non shareholders). We ask that this support continues to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Navratri festival. To those of you who have not already applied for Shareholder Passes or 9- day family/single Tickets please do so as a matter of urgency. The cut off date for applications to be submitted in order for you to have guaranteed passes or tickets in time for Navratri is Monday 8th October 2012. You can still apply after this date, but there is no guarantee that your Shareholder Passes or Tickets will be ready in time. Furthermore, you will not be able to make these applications on the day at the door. We are sure that you would rather be celebrating Navratri than be involved in lengthy queues to gain entry! For this reason, only single night tickets (£5.00 per person) will be available for purchase at the door.
à Donations/Shares: We would like to sincerely thank our Gnati members for generous donations last year, through which we are able to achieve such projects. There is a request to everyone who has not yet purchased the available shares to do so. Upon the purchase of the £300 membership share, discounted venue bookings will be offered as well as community events such as Navratri being free. Membership will also become restrictive in the near future. Further information and applications are available at our centre.
à Security and Parking: For your own safety, please be advised to follow instructions carefully in the car park. Children should be supervised at all times and warned not to leave the premises while attending the events. The security staff will not hesitate to remove anyone from the premises under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substances. Please be aware, these events are cultural and we should avoid generating any negative impression in front of children.
à Sponsorship: There are many local businesses that are supporting this year’s Navratri and we will very much appreciate if you can take an interest in finding out more information about their products and services. Please find enclosed some literature and also look out for informative banners, with contact details of the sponsors in our centre. Should you wish to sponsor the event and/or include information about your business/trade then contact Vivekbhai Khistariya (Centre Manager).
à Change of Name/Address: Please update the centre with any changes to personal information or address as soon as possible.
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Please note that our community website http://www.maheronline.org as well as centre website http://www.mahercentre.com will be updated with information on the celebrations and should you require further information or have any queries, do not hesitate to contact our centre or approach any of the volunteers.
Sincere thanks and we look forward to seeing you very soon!
|| Jai Shree Krishna || Jai Mataji ||
Dilip Rambhai Karavadra
Geetaben Maheshbhai Karavadra
On behalf of The Leicester Maher Community Association
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