On the evening of 28 September 2025, the residents of Platinum Greens gathered together to celebrate Navratri in a manner that was warm, reverent and jubilant. The community event - organized by residents with a generous contribution from the Platinum Group builders Mr. Subhash Gupta, Mr. Arun Gupta and Mr. Saurabh Gupta - turned the complex's central area into a lively festival ground where tradition met togetherness.
What began as a neighborhood observance grew into an all-ages celebration that showcased devotional music, exuberant dance, delicious home-style food and an atmosphere of shared joy. From the soulful bhajans at Mata ki Chowki to the rhythmic clack of dandiyas in the Garba ground and the communal dinner that followed, the night stitched many small moments into a memorable festival tapestry.
The evening opened with a traditional Mata ki chowki, held beneath beautifully decorated tent that warmed the autumn air. An expert bhajan mandli had been invited to lead the congregation in devotional singing and chanting. Families gathered on mats and chairs, heads bowed and hands joined, as the mandli took them through a series of bhajans dedicated to the Divine Mother.
The bhajan mandli's repertoire blended classical bhajans with simple, sing-along devotional songs so that everyone - from grandchildren to grandparents - could participate. The sound of harmonium, tabla and rhythmic clapping created a serene undercurrent for the evening. During the pauses, short narrations explained the symbolism and stories behind some of the compositions, helping younger attendees connect more deeply with the tradition.
Many residents mentioned how moving it was to see neighbours who rarely spoke during the year sharing prayers and sweets after the Chowki. The organizers set up a small altar decorated with marigolds, incense and framed images of the Goddess; residents dropped flowers and whispered personal wishes - a simple ritual that lent the evening an intimate, sacred tone.
As the bhajans wound down and dusk deepened into night, the central area transformed into a vibrant dance arena. Lanterns, multiple decorations and lights framed the open space. Men and women in traditional attire - women in flowing chaniya cholis and men in kurtas and bandhgalas - gathered in concentric circles for Garba, while energetic youth prepared for fast-paced Dandiya rounds.
The Garba segment began with a slow, graceful beat and then built into lively, faster tempos. Dandiya sets were led by a few enthusiastic residents who kept the energy steady and inclusive: beginners were gently guided into the formations and more experienced dancers improvised colourful steps. The soundscape blended recorded garba tracks with live percussion, giving the night both polished rhythm and spontaneous flare.
People of all ages joined in. There was unmistakable joy in watching toddlers attempting their first clumsy dandiyas, teenagers forming flash-mob style circles, and seniors clapping along from the sidelines. The dance floor became a living, moving portrait of community harmony - a rare space where age, profession and apartment number blurred into shared celebration.
After spiritual reflection and dancing, the evening turned to one of its most anticipated parts - dinner. Tables were laid out for a catered dinner. The menu honoured Rajasthani flavours while accommodating varied palates: the highlight was a generous serving of dal baati churma, prepared in the traditional style with piping hot baatis, rich dal, and sweet churma.
In addition to dal baati churma, the spread included puri subzi, an array of seasonal vegetable curries, aromatic rice, chutneys and pickles. Desserts featuring traditional sweets were also served.
The dinner was served to elders and children first. The meal became a social experience: neighbours who had danced together earlier now sat across from each other sharing stories, swapping recipes and laughing over the night's highlights.
The success of the event was made possible through the sizeable contribution from the Platinum Group. The builders - Mr. Subhash Gupta, Mr. Arun Gupta and Mr. Saurabh Gupta - provided financial support and also helped in many other ways.
A brief felicitation was held in the middle of the evening to acknowledge their contribution. The residents appreciated and celebrated their support for building not just physical homes but a cohesive community spirit. In their short remarks, the Guptas expressed delight at seeing residents celebrate together and pledged continued support for future community initiatives.
Behind the festive veneer, thoughtful planning made the evening smooth and safe. The residents coordinated all the aspects of the celebrations to ensure that everything went smoothly and the event was enjoyable for everyone.
Lighting and temporary seating were arranged to ensure comfort and visibility. For residents with mobility issues, volunteers arranged reserved seating close to the stage and the dining area. The event's zero-waste initiative - recycling bins and biodegradable plates where possible - was a modest but appreciated step toward sustainability.
A few moments from the night will likely remain etched in residents' memories: a spontaneous dance by the residents during the bhajan session that brought a joy to everyone in the crowd; a surprise performance by residents who practiced Garba moves for weeks; the sight of three generations from one family dancing together in perfect rhythm; and the long line of neighbors joining hands before the dinner prayer.
The Navratri celebrations at Platinum Greens on 28 September 2025 were an example of what a residential community can achieve when the desire to celebrate is matched by thoughtful planning and generous support. From the heartfelt bhajans at Mata ki Chowki to the high-energy Garba and Dandiya rounds and the comforting, traditional dinner of dal baati churma and puri subzi, the night combined devotion, dance and dining into a single, unifying experience.
Thanks to the contribution of Mr. Subhash Gupta, Mr. Arun Gupta and Mr. Saurabh Gupta, and the tireless effort of resident volunteers, the festival succeeded as both a cultural observance and a joyful neighborhood reunion. For many, it was more than an evening of festivities - it was a reminder that community, when nurtured, becomes the foundation of everyday life.
