Ahmedabad: On Saturday, UAE-based social worker Girish Pant shared a video on social media showing an octogenarian playing garba at an event organized in Dubai. She was one of the hundreds gathered at the venue for dandiya and devotion.

As it is the weekend, Gujaratis across the globe have organized events to mark Navratri festivities. While some countries have events organized over 2-3 weekends, in others, festivities began early in September.

“The United Gujaratis of Australia are ready for garba this weekend. As the event is being held after two years, there is a lot of excitement,” says Amit Vyas, president of the organization that has arranged events in cities like Melbourne. Organizer Jay Shah said the event appeals to young Indians settled there. “We do not charge revellers. “Our expenses are covered by sponsors, which is in line with the spirit of sheri garba,” he said.

Countries with smaller Gujarati diaspora prefer indoor venues to organize the events. Many countries also hold outdoor events based on weather, number of revellers, and distance from population pockets.

Hemant Shah, a businessman from Ottawa in Canada, said the old guard attempts keep traditions intact to encourage gen-next to keep the culture alive.