Navratri should be about OG garbas: Parikshit Tamaliya
Poori hawa hi badal jaati hain Navratri mein,” smiles Parikshit Tamaliya , who calls Navratri his “favourite festival.” The Interview and Auntypreneur actor adds, “There is a Gujarati word called ghelo, which means crazy. I tell people that I am a ghela when it comes to Navratri and garba (laughs). I have been crazy about the festival since childhood, and I always wait for it.” Excerpts from a chat:
‘I miss the simpler Navratri celebrations’
I was born and brought up in Surendranagar, where the celebrations are very pure and traditional. We didn’t have any big singers performing there, so we would enjoy it irrespective of who was performing. That was the only form of celebration we knew. I distinctly remember that every evening, my father used to sing the first garba, Dundala Dev , and begin the celebrations. Once we shifted to Ahmedabad, everything changed- from celebrations to traditions. While I enjoy playing garba here, I miss those simpler celebrations.
‘I don’t like the addition of Hindi and English songs while playing garba’
I strongly dislike the addition of Hindi and English songs in and as garbas . We don’t need it; our garbas are culturally so strong and rich. Be it slow-paced or fast, we have all kinds of songs, so why seek something else? People prefer our original garbas abroad also, so we need to realise its importance. Navratri should feel like a celebration of Mata ji and her songs, and garba venues should not feel like a discotheque. Also, I feel that with everything becoming more business-like, and with the introduction of concepts like pre-Navratri and post-Navratri, woh nine days ka excitement and essence thoda kam ho gaya hai. While it is not a bad thing at all, I feel innocent celebrations are losing their touch. I love listening to all garba singers, but Aditya Gadhvi remains my all-time favourite. I also love grooving to garbas of Hardik Dave and Praful Dave .
‘I try to balance my diet and sleep schedule during Navratri’
Post my weight-loss journey, I usually avoid eating out. During Navratri, I might indulge in light midnight snacks like poha or khichu, but nothing like pizzas or pastas. I try to balance my food intake and take ample rest by sleeping whenever I get a chance. I also plan my day in such a way that work is done during the day, and I get to play garba. I don’t skip work, but plan things in advance. I’m not a big fan of kediyas. I love wearing kurta-pyjamas, which are the most comfortable wear for playing garba. Also, I borrow a colourful dupatta from my mother or sister’s wardrobe, and my Navratri look is all set
‘I miss the simpler Navratri celebrations’
I was born and brought up in Surendranagar, where the celebrations are very pure and traditional. We didn’t have any big singers performing there, so we would enjoy it irrespective of who was performing. That was the only form of celebration we knew. I distinctly remember that every evening, my father used to sing the first garba, Dundala Dev , and begin the celebrations. Once we shifted to Ahmedabad, everything changed- from celebrations to traditions. While I enjoy playing garba here, I miss those simpler celebrations.
‘I don’t like the addition of Hindi and English songs while playing garba’
I strongly dislike the addition of Hindi and English songs in and as garbas . We don’t need it; our garbas are culturally so strong and rich. Be it slow-paced or fast, we have all kinds of songs, so why seek something else? People prefer our original garbas abroad also, so we need to realise its importance. Navratri should feel like a celebration of Mata ji and her songs, and garba venues should not feel like a discotheque. Also, I feel that with everything becoming more business-like, and with the introduction of concepts like pre-Navratri and post-Navratri, woh nine days ka excitement and essence thoda kam ho gaya hai. While it is not a bad thing at all, I feel innocent celebrations are losing their touch. I love listening to all garba singers, but Aditya Gadhvi remains my all-time favourite. I also love grooving to garbas of Hardik Dave and Praful Dave .
‘I try to balance my diet and sleep schedule during Navratri’
Post my weight-loss journey, I usually avoid eating out. During Navratri, I might indulge in light midnight snacks like poha or khichu, but nothing like pizzas or pastas. I try to balance my food intake and take ample rest by sleeping whenever I get a chance. I also plan my day in such a way that work is done during the day, and I get to play garba. I don’t skip work, but plan things in advance. I’m not a big fan of kediyas. I love wearing kurta-pyjamas, which are the most comfortable wear for playing garba. Also, I borrow a colourful dupatta from my mother or sister’s wardrobe, and my Navratri look is all set
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