1. Aerial view of “United Way of Baroda’s globally acclaimed annual fund raising event GARBA MAHOTSAV. Each participant, be it players, viewers or corporates are real contributors for achieving Vision and Mission of United Way of Baroda. This mega event highlights Garba-which is the rich heritage of Gujarat.”
2. Indian TV Actress, Ms. Shrenu Parikh graced the event She also participated along with the Board Governors to perform Aarti of Goddess Maa Ambaji. She welcomes guests with a Namaste deeper meaning of which is I bow to the Divinity in you. It implies that the Divinity in you is the same as the Divinity is me. About Mahotsav, UWB information provided by United Way of Baroda (UWB), other info by Editor.
3. Garba Mahotsav 2022 was organised on the ground measuring 1 lakh Sq. Meter. Winners chosen based on their unique costume or for their unique garba style were provided I-Phone pro 13. Last time four 4 winners received e-bike. There is a murti of the Maa Ambaji behind prize winners. This year’s Mahotsav was unique because of the presence of the External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar and Olympian Gold Medallist Neeraj Chopra. The EAM brought dignitaries from 46 countries.
4. More than 30,000 (year 2022) participants wore traditional Gujarati costumes & reverently danced bare-feet around Mataji (the Goddess and her all nine forms). “UWB is a non-profit, non-government organization working for 35 years in health, education and livelihood generation for poor and vulnerable communities of Baroda and Gujarat. They strive to create an enabling and sustainable environment for improved quality of life of less privileged people.”
5. Participants synergise with the garba rhythm. Observe the dress and jewellery. If you wish to attend https://garba.unitedwaybaroda.org/Default.aspx
6. Smiles show zeal. “Since its inception, UWB has supported more than 100+ Local NGOs and Trusts to advance common good. UWB has a network of affiliated NGOs in Vadodara district.” Visit UWB site https://unitedwaybaroda.org/
7. Graceful. Singing by respected Shri Atul Purohitji. To see video of day 8 singing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTEa2IvMQ9E
8. Stepping with the tuning. Group energy and happiness.
9. Wave of enthusiasm. Those with cell phones should carry a pouch which they can place round their shoulder and dance carefree.
10. Energy at the right place. Observe garment design. To read about the Navaratri festival https://utsav.gov.in/view-event/united-way-of-baroda-garba-mahotsav-1
11. Left to right Shri Shivinder Singh Chawla (Vice-Chairman UWB), Olympian Gold Medallist Neeraj Chopra, Keyur Rokadia (Mayor, Vadodara Municipal Corporation), Hemant Shah (Chairman-Resource Development Committee, UWB) and Minesh Patel (Treasurer and Chairman-Public Committee, UWB) and trustee Pinkain Shah-UWB.
12. External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar interacting with participants.
13. EAM Dr S Jaishankar with Foreign Delegates participated in the event. I wish the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) takes signatories to other festivals too for e.g. Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Durga Puja in Kolkata, Trissur Pooram in Kerala and Khajuraho Dance Festival amongst others. The good thing about Garba is they can participate too.
14. Pranams Ma. Foreign Delegates along with UWB Trustee enjoying playing Garba.
15. Relishing the moment.
16. Capturing smiles.
17. UWB’s Mission Shiksha Program continued supporting vulnerable students who lost one or both of their parents due to COVID-19 pandemic. Students received school/tuition fees aid and educational kit as per their current grade level. Mrs. Pritty Patel (Vice Chairperson, UWB), Mr. Ravi Jain (Member, RDC), Mrs. Nilam Acharya (Deputy Director, UWB) present at the event.
18. Grant Disbursement Event organised wherein UWB disbursed INR 2.68 Crores to support Local NGOs and Trusts to implement large-scale projects based on focus areas. In this pic is Rs 9.50 lakh contribution to support the work of Arpan Charitable Trust who work with differently abled children as you see in pic.
19. For the year 2022-23, 24 Mothers supported to enhance their skills on vocational course under UWB’s Mission Skill Development Project. These Mothers received Start-up kit to continue their work and to become breadwinner for their families.
20. A social gathering was held for 2022-23 wherein 350 United Fusion Study Foundation Program students participated. Under this program, Students are supported for their graduation/post-graduation degree in the field of Engineering, Medicine, Business Administration, Accountancy and various other streams of education.
21. Back to Garba.
22. Reflecting the elegancy.
23. Determination at its best. Notice bare feet.
24. Participants wearing Tricolour theme Clothes.
25. Atul Purohit ji’s songs are making them thrilled. To see Atulji songs video of Day 9 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_H-g_lwPN8
26. For 2022-23, Students of 11th and 12th standard Science Stream students are supported for scholarship under UWB’s Shikhar Scholarship Science Program.
27. Foreign Delegates meeting the beats of Atulji’s songs.
28. Participants sang the National Anthem honouring the Late Shri Mahatma Gandhi- Father of Our Nation.
29. In Baroda do see Lakshi Vilas Palace esp the Durbar Hall. To see album https://www.esamskriti.com/a/Gujarat/Lakshmi-Vilas-Palace-Baroda.aspx.
30. Less than 2 hours from Baroda is the must see Statue of Unity. To see album https://www.esamskriti.com/a/Gujarat/STATUE-OF-UNITY,-Kevadiya-Gujarat.aspx