Dancers move in rhythm during a Navratri celebration.(ID 127995854 © Akshay Thaker | Dreamstime.com)

By meadowlakeNOW Staff

CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS

Celebrating the divine feminine: Navratri festival to light up Meadow Lake Civic Centre

Oct 6, 2025 | 12:23 PM

The Civic Centre will come alive with drumbeats, swirling fabric and the clack of wooden sticks this Sunday as the Indian Society of Meadow Lake hosts its Navratri celebration.

Navratri — meaning “Nine Nights” — is a Hindu festival honouring the divine feminine and the triumph of good over evil.

“Usually in our families, mothers and sisters, they lead these festivals. So this is like the power of feminine divinity, strength and transformation that resides in all of us,” said organizer Dharmanshu Lightwala.

He believes it’s a chance to bring a piece of India’s pride and rhythm to rural Saskatchewan.

The Oct. 12 event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Centre. Guests can expect a five-hour program filled with community dancing, prayers, live performances and home-cooked Indian cuisine.

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Lightwala said the evening will open with a ceremonial prayer and a dance by a 10-year-old performer before the crowd is invited to join the first round of garba — a traditional circular folk dance.

“You cannot sit, you have to join us,” he said.

Dinner will be served at 8 p.m., featuring handmade favourites such as paneer makhni, puri, daal tadka, jeera rice, coconut kachori and almond firni, all prepared by volunteers cooking for 120 guests.

Prizes will follow for best dress and best dance before two more rounds of dancing, including dandiya raas — a paired dance using wooden sticks.

Lightwala, originally from Surat, India, has lived in Canada for nearly 12 years and moved to Meadow Lake six years ago. He said the experience has been “amazing” and that he’s watched the local South Asian community steadily grow in the region.

“We see quite a few families now who have purchased their homes, and they are raising their kids and families now here in Meadow Lake,” he said.

“Participating in local businesses, opening local businesses — so consistently, they are growing in a timely manner.”

Beyond the music and movement, Lightwala sees the celebration as a bridge between cultures — and a way for the South Asian community to give back.

“We are using this opportunity to meet them, to greet them, to come across in a very positive way,” he said.

“Our population is roughly within 200 and this It is a great symbol that we are here, and we are always here to support local economy and the local businesses and the community.”

Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for teens, and free for children under 12, available at the Meadow Lake Library (cash only) or by texting (437) 218-6290.

(Indian Society of Meadow Lake/Facebook)

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