As I got out of bed this morning, my feet touched the floor which was shortly followed by a light but intense ‘scream!’. Oh yes – my stiff calf muscles reminded me instantly of the 2 days that had passed so far!
This was slowly followed by a smile as I thought about my favourite time of year….Navratri and the painful calves soon were a distant memory!
Here we are again; oh how the year flies when you’re having fun and this time, a slight change, as we once again kick off this auspicious festivity.
The new incoming committee led by our President (I reckon the youngest PPA President in our community’s history!) Sanjay Pattni and his faithful flock. As always, I walked through the door, well actually rushed, afraid I may not get entry given the new restructions we have, and it was lovely to be greeted by the President himself – as well as the numerous friendly faces that bring us all together during this time.
The Mandir as ever had been spruced up and our resident Maa displayed a blessing of beauty! 
Of course, Day 1 always starts off slowly with fewer numbers; having said that, it had no bearing on the great time had by everyone (including a room to play with freedom!) thanks to the ever-brilliant music supplied by the only musicians, who in my opinion, are the very best – led by Hasubhai!
New this year:
Always good to see what’s new as we progress through the years.
Seema Dhanak
Well last year, the lovely Seema, also a freelance writer for iPattni, who kindly let us in her kitchen last year to explore healthy alternatives when fasting during the 9 days (Click here to check out her recipes if you need some motivation for this year!) took her talent to another level. This time she opened her doors to the President and showcased her Mithai-making talent (as well as her talent to get Sanjay baking). Seema is a true community advocate as she provides prashad delights for the whole 9 days. Check out her Sweet Sensations page to view her talent
New Committee
A combination of new faces (Hasmita and Chetna) mixed with a returning one (Pravin Soni) makes this year’s committee one to watch.
Well done to the 2 new ladies & Seema who have taken their roles and performed them with great heart and passion
Parking Restrictions
Due to car park renovations outside Tylers Hall – the parking spaces are limited. Get in quick!
Day 2 showed marginal improvement as we had more people walking through the door than Day 1 – a healthy turnout for a schoolnight! Hasubhai got the crowd into the right mood as he played an all-time favourite which brought smiles to many faces.
What the PPA community is often commended on by Hindu & Brent Council senior officials is the fact that we have stuck to the true roots and meaning of Navratri. We are one of the only communities in London who continue to stay firm on singing traditional Garbas as opposed to ‘bollywood’ mixes. That’s what makes us Unique and Leaders as opposed to swimming in the ‘sea of sameness’ and being followers! We are a community united as one and it shows! Long may it continue
Finally, I can not end this report on Navratri’s 2 days so far without mentioning our amazing photographers Ketan Haridas and Rajvi Vaya – who together give us an array of pictures capturing the vast members of the community. Some evidence of their work is featured here and will soon be available to see in the iPattni Gallery.
Check out Vaya Photography to view her amazing eye!
Now remember, the annual contribution for your membership is a mere £25 per household and thanks to iPattni we have made it easier for you to pay. So if you don’t want to be carrying cash around with you at Garba, you can pay online by clicking here. Ensure you do this asap as these are now due and the £25 is a small price to pay when it comes to ensuring you have a community to be part of.
I’ll sign off as I leave my desk to get ready for Day 3 – for which I will send a report about tomorrow so that those of you reading can catch a glimpse of how it’s all going.
Jai Mataji
