Click to play videoVadodara: The nine-day Navratri festival at Maharaja Sayaji Rao's Fine Arts faculty is among the most popular and authentic Raas Garba in Gujarat. And even though preparations are on in full swing, students on campus still have the May 9 incident fresh in their memory - the day the faculty of Fine Arts was attacked by political activists who stormed into the campus and vandalised the property.
The activists were protesting against the paintings on display by a final year student, which they found offensive. The Annual Navratri event, which brings together the students and faculty, is likely to be boycotted by some students this year.
Navratri at the Fine Arts faculty has been about carrying forward a 50-year tradition, but after the incident in May, many students are not in mood to celebrate.
“The faculty has never been so disturbed. The atmosphere has affected the Navratri celebrations,” says a student, Aakash.
Although the Raas Garba this year will be a low-key affair, most students make it a point to be at the evening practice sessions. No loud speakers, no orchestras, and no outsiders this year. Interestingly, the tradition of Navratri here sees seniors introduce the new students the fine art of this Gujarati dance form. And mind you, its not easy as it looks.
“Our seniors teach us the steps. Some of them are tough. But we practise a lot,” says another student, Deepshikha.
And as the popularity of the Fine Arts Garba spreads across the city and often most alumni of the faculty never miss returning to catch in the Navratri fervour.
“The steps are special. They have been taken form tribal dance forms. Our professor taught us and we are teaching them,” says 55-year old Advertising Executive Mangesh Bhai Nirmal.
Although the Fine Arts faculty has seen its share of controversies this year, most students would rather focus on keeping the spirit of the festival alive.
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