Garba on Vasai Road in Mumbai || Hindi vlog

Mumbai at night is a city that never sleeps, bustling with life even in the late hours. Recently, while riding my scooti through the city’s winding roads, I encountered a mix of experiences, from the chaos of traffic to the joy of witnessing vibrant Indian festival celebrations. This particular night was a memorable one, as I rode through the busy streets and found myself unexpectedly drawn into the festive spirit of Navratri, where people were playing Garba - the traditional dance associated with the celebration of goddess Durga.
The Night Ride Begins
The evening started with me cruising through the streets of Mumbai on my scooti. As usual, navigating the roads was challenging. Mumbai’s traffic, even at night, can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to maneuver through narrow streets with honking vehicles all around. I had to remain extremely cautious as other riders and drivers zoomed by, creating a sense of urgency that’s typical of this fast-paced city. The uneven roads, potholes, and sudden speed bumps didn’t make it any easier.
As I rode, the cool night breeze provided some relief from the day’s heat, but the stress of dealing with the unpredictable traffic was palpable. Mumbai roads are a test of patience and skill for any rider. You need to be aware of pedestrians, street vendors, and even stray animals that might suddenly appear in your path. Every few meters, I found myself slowing down to avoid collisions or to navigate around obstacles that seemed to pop up out of nowhere.
A Glimpse of Festivity
Despite the difficulties of riding, the atmosphere of the night was alive with celebration. As I moved deeper into the city, I began to notice something different. The streets were lit up more than usual, and the sounds of traditional Indian music echoed through the air. It was Navratri - the nine-night festival where devotees honor Mata Rani (goddess Durga) with prayer, fasting, and dancing.
On one particular stretch of road, I saw groups of people gathered in open spaces, parking lots, and even temporarily closed streets, all dressed in colorful, traditional Indian attire. Their energy was infectious. They were dancing Garba - a vibrant, rhythmic dance that’s central to the Navratri festival. The colorful swirling skirts, the clapping hands, and the joyful expressions on people’s faces created a beautiful scene of unity and celebration.
The Joy of Garba
Garba is not just a dance; it’s a celebration of life, devotion, and community. Even as an observer passing by, I could feel the positive energy radiating from the crowds. There’s something magical about the way people come together during Indian festivals. Despite the pressures of daily life in Mumbai, festival time allows people to let go of their worries and celebrate their culture and traditions.
Seeing Garba dancers moving in circular formations, synchronized with the beats of the dhol and other traditional instruments, was mesmerizing. The dance symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, and it was wonderful to see people of all ages, from children to elderly participants, dancing with enthusiasm and joy. It made me reflect on the importance of community and how festivals like Navratri bring people together.
A Mix of Struggle and Celebration
As I continued riding through the night, my journey became a mix of struggle and celebration. While the traffic and road conditions tested my patience, the festive scenes lifted my spirits. The roads were congested in some areas because of people gathering for Garba, but no one seemed to mind. It was as if the festival atmosphere made everything more bearable, even the usual frustrations of city traffic.
At one point, I decided to slow down and park on the side of the road to take in the scene more fully. Watching the Garba dancers under the night sky, with the festive lights twinkling around them, was a sight to behold. It reminded me of the resilience and spirit of Mumbai’s people. No matter how tough life gets, there’s always room for celebration and joy.
Reflecting on the Night
This night ride through Mumbai left me with mixed feelings. The struggle of navigating the city’s challenging roads on my scooti was real, but it was balanced by the unexpected joy of witnessing the Garba celebrations. There’s a special charm to Mumbai at night during festivals. The city becomes a place where tradition meets modernity, where the fast pace of life slows down just enough for people to enjoy their culture and community.
Despite the potholes, the honking, and the occasional near-miss with other vehicles, I felt grateful for the experience. Festivals like Navratri are a reminder that there’s more to life than just work and daily struggles. They remind us to celebrate, to come together, and to find joy in the little moments - whether it’s a dance, a song, or simply watching others enjoy.