In Hindu Diaspora, Dancers and Feminists Celebrate Navaratri

Honoring the divine feminine energy of Durga and her incarnations, the garba, whose name comes from the Sanskrit word for womb, has been danced by thousands of colorfully dressed South Asians across New York and New Jersey over the past nine days. It is often danced on college campuses and at local community centers until long after midnight. ...Describing herself as spiritual, not religious, Desai said the art form has been vital in connecting her to her own heritage. Desai studied classical Indian dance in India for a year while in college, where she was inspired to bring a taste of large-scale garba back to her own community in Brooklyn. Read Full Article »