Garba nights are common during Navratri celebrations, but have you ever heard of an LGBTQ-friendly garba night held at the lawns of Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara? Yes, this inclusive event is a step forward and holds space for everyone. Here’s more on this.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Garba At Lukshmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara
Every Navratri, Radhikaraje Gaekwad, of the erstwhile royal family of Vadodara, Gujarat, opens the gates of her ancestral home, Lukshmi Vilas Palace, to the LGBTQ+ community for an all-inclusive garba night. Unlike many garba events that happen over Bollywood music, this inclusive garba focuses on traditional beats with performers dancing barefoot. Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad, a member of the royal family and an advocate for women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community, also takes part in the annual celebrations.
Radhikaraje Gaekwad shared with The Hindu that she came up with the idea of making garba inclusive, where everyone, irrespective of gender and faith, is welcome, after her COVID-19 relief work. During that time, she connected with the LGBTQ+ community, and that experience inspired her to bring them into a larger space; garba, one of Vadodara’s most important celebrations.
Also Read: What Is Mandali Garba, The Navratri Trend This Year? 5 Mandali Garba Events In Ahmedabad This Year
A Festival That Creates Space For All
As per a report by The Indian Express, for Radhikaraje, garba is a celebration where people come together as a community. It creates an energising atmosphere where she can work towards change in society. She also believes in bringing in people who may not be given space in society. She further shared with TNIE that many people have used this platform to come out and embrace their identities while also keeping true to Indian culture.
Reportedly, the community also operates a temple on the premises with an ancient tree called “Bolto Ambo.” They decorate it with bangles, clothes, coconuts, and a devi painting made by Radhikaraje’s father-in-law, Maharaja Ranjitsinh Gaekwad. The soul of their garba night lies here, where the LGBTQ+ community performs seva and offers prasad. Bharatnatyam artiste Narthaki Natraj, performer Rani Ko-HE-Nur, and others have also sang and twirled in circles with the community in the past.
In addition, as per a report by The Hindu, Radhikaraje Gaekwad also runs Gazra Cafe at the historic Maharani Chimnabai Stree Udyogalaya (MSCU). Do you want to know what’s unique about this cafe? It is led by the queer community and serves rare Maharashtrian and Gujarati dishes.
This is such a great initiative. Festivals should be an inclusive experience, and Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad proves just that!
Cover Image Courtesy: Lukshmi Vilas Palace/ Website
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