The Clarington Outdoor Garba Fest brought colour, music and community spirit to Bowmanville on Saturday, September 26, as families and residents gathered at the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex for an evening of Indian traditional dance forms of Garba and Dandiya.
Organized by Unity in Diversity, the non-profit community event welcomed experienced Garba dancers as well as many people experiencing Garba for the first time. With favourable weather and a bright harvest moon overhead, attendees filled the outdoor grounds with traditional dance, music and colourful attire.
Bowmanville Hospital Foundation
The event also had a charitable component. Unity in Diversity presented a $1,111 donation to the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, continuing the organization’s commitment to combining cultural celebrations with support for local community causes.
Local dignitaries, community representatives, sponsors and supporters joined the celebration, highlighting the growing diversity of Clarington and the role cultural events can play in bringing residents from different backgrounds together.
Live music was performed by Harita Desai and Pratik Peters, supported by local musicians.
Another highlight of the evening was the prize program. Organizers had originally announced more than 12 prizes but ultimately presented 16 prizes, including two grand prizes, during two breaks in the evening’s entertainment.
Unity in Diversity
Unity in Diversity credited the success of the festival to the support of its sponsors, community partners, volunteers, performers and attendees.
“Events like this are about much more than music and dance,” said organizer Pankaj Panchal of Unity in Diversity. “They are about bringing people together, celebrating culture, building friendships and giving back to the community. We are extremely thankful to everyone who helped make the evening possible.”
The Clarington celebration is part of Unity in Diversity’s broader efforts to organize cultural and community events across Durham Region.