FVHS hosted a Garba-Dandiya Night planned by an Indian Association of Fuquay Varina on Sept. 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Garba and Dandiya are traditional folk dances, which are performed during Navaratri, which is dedicated to the worship of Shakti, symbolizing devotion, unity and joy.
The FVHS gym was decorated with a banner and cultural stalls were set up with the help of volunteers. Guests arrived in traditional outfits to the event, which created a festive atmosphere. Many people showed up to the event and joined the festivities from younger kids to seniors members in the community.
Both Dandiya and Garba are traditional folk dances which are performed during Navaratri. Dandiya uses colorful and beautifully decorated sticks to strike rhythmically according to the music, and it represents goddess Durga’s victory over a demon according to Hindu religion.
Whereas Garba involves graceful circular movements, hand clapping, and twirling around an altar which has an idol or photo of the goddess Durga, representing the life cycle and devotion to the goddess.
“Everyone was having fun by dancing, eating, and checking out the vendors,” said sophomore Diya Krishnan Karthikeyan, a volunteer at the event.
Food was another highlight of the event. Food stalls served different types of dosa, palak paneer and pulao, which were enjoyed by everyone. A live band was another highlight as they played songs that are popular hits and some traditional folk songs, which the crowd loved.
The Fuquay-Varina Mayor, Blake Massengil, made a special appearance at Garba-Dandiya Night.
“I know he had lots of fun since he came with his wife and he looked like he was having loads of fun,” said Karthikeyan. The mayor danced and enjoyed the night with everyone.
The night concluded with an aarti dedicated to Goddess Durga, bringing a spiritual touch to the event. After a round of dancing, and aarti, which is a ritual of waving a lightened lamp to a deity symbolizing devotion, the night concluded with joyful memories and cultural celebrations.
