Tuesday 3 October 2023 | Bhadarva Vad 5, Samvat 2079

Tue 3 Oct 2023

Female members of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kingsbury gathered on the 22nd of April 2018 for their annual ladies’ day event.

The main feature of the event saw a performance of traditional devotional dance called Samuh raas to devotional music accompanied by live dhol players, to please Lord Shree Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. Samuh raas is a communal folk dance originating from the state of Gujarat, India. The event was opened by a group of young disciples singing a prayer to the Lord.

This was followed by three dance performances: one from some of the youngest members performing a Bharatnatyam (Indian classical) dance, a folk dance, and an energetic dance was from older ladies.

The folk dance by the older ladies involved thirty participants of different ages ranging from 10-50 years old and was a flashmob style folk dance to devotional music. "Big time fun!

Huge participation by girls of all ages - as young as 10 and the eldest knocking on the door of 50! The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing.

Food was great too!" was the verdict from one participant. After this colourful and high energy performance, everyone got ready for Samuh raas. The Samuh raas was performed around the murti of Lord Shree Swaminarayan and the event was concluded with the ladies performing in front with other traditional Gujarati frolics such as fudheri and timli, a form of line dance.

The day concluded with prasad thaar that was enjoyed by all.