Gandhinagar, Sep 22 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, officially opened the Vibrant Navratri Festival 2025 at the GMDC Grounds in Ahmedabad on Monday.

This year’s festival, themed "Aahvaan Maa Adyashakti", showcased spectacular cultural performances featuring over 1,000 artists.

As a highlight of the event, the Chief Minister, along with other Cabinet Ministers, participated in a devotional aarti dedicated to Maa Jagadamba, signifying the ceremonial Mahaaarti.

Notable attendees included the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Activities, Mulubhai Bera, along with State Ministers Jagdish Vishwakarma and Kunvarji Halpati, and Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain.

CM Patel extended warm Navratri wishes to all citizens, emphasizing that the launch of next-generation GST reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of Navratri would transform this year’s celebrations, including Diwali, into a jubilant occasion and a "double savings bonanza" for everyone.

He urged the public to support the 'Amanirbhar Bharat' initiative by choosing local products, from traditional Dandiya sticks to jewelry and cosmetics, throughout the festivities.

Prior to the inauguration, the Chief Minister inspected various attractions, including a thematic exhibition featuring nine pledges, photo zones, selfie spots, a specially designed Kids' city, a food court, and a handicrafts bazaar.

He engaged with women from self-help groups at festival stalls and inaugurated a multimedia exhibition on "11 Years of Good Governance" organized by the Central Bureau of Communication.

Prominent figures, including Ahmedabad MLAs, Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Tourism Secretary Rajendra Kumar, and Tourism Corporation Chairman Prabhav Joshi, were also in attendance.

The opening event attracted guests from across India and abroad, alongside the local residents of Ahmedabad, all participating in the vibrant celebrations.

The Navratri festival, which pays homage to Goddess Durga through nine nights of dance, music, and rituals, highlights the state's distinct folk traditions, including Garba and Dandiya Raas.

The festival’s cultural importance, inclusiveness, and scale have spurred efforts for its recognition by UNESCO, illustrating Navratri as not merely a religious event but as a living testament to India's intangible cultural heritage.