Written by Hitesh Jagad | Dhwani Special Coverage | September 30, 2025
When Navratri arrives on Canadian soil, it is often the dazzling lights and booming sound systems of large celebrity-style garba concerts that capture the spotlight. Yet, far away from this glittering spectacle, the true and sacred heartbeat of the festival is felt most powerfully in the streets of Etobicoke—the proud home of Canada’s oldest and most beloved Sheri Garba tradition.
More than two decades ago, visionary community leader Shirishbhai Patel and his team sowed the seeds of this tradition. What began 21 years ago as a simple devotional gathering has today blossomed into a proud cultural identity for the Indo-Canadian community. In Etobicoke, Sheri Garba is not just an event; it is a living heritage, a symbol of devotion, identity, and unity.
Once celebrated in the narrow lanes of Gujarat for its authenticity, Sheri Garba has beautifully taken root in Canada. Over two decades later, one man’s dream has unfolded into a living reality—history repeating itself thousands of miles away. Today, the rhythms of Sheri Garba resound not only in Etobicoke but across Canada, wherever the weather and community spirit allow. From large cities to small towns, its echoes prove that culture can remain alive and radiant even in faraway lands.
Unlike commercial shows, Sheri Garba does not rely on ticket sales but on the strength of community spirit. Families, friends, and neighbours gather together, circling the garbi—a clay pot with a sacred light burning inside. The atmosphere glows with the same devotional warmth once found in Gujarat’s neighbourhood lanes. Traditional garba beats, often performed by local Canadian-Gujarati singers, fill the air, reminding everyone that Navratri is not merely about entertainment, but about worship, joy, and cultural continuity.
Sheri Garba has preserved its simplicity—it remains traditional, free of charge, and open to all without the burden of budgets or showmanship. This accessibility is its greatest strength, allowing every individual to join in dance and devotion. It represents the truest meaning of Navratri celebrations, standing apart from the commercialized, headline-grabbing spectacles.
This open and welcoming spirit has made Etobicoke’s Sheri Garba a cultural magnet. Families travel from different cities, non-Indo-Canadians join with equal enthusiasm, and even political leaders attend with pride, giving the event recognition as a shining jewel of Canada’s multicultural fabric.
Speaking exclusively with Dhwani, Shirishbhai Patel expressed in his characteristically humble words:
“For 22 years, we have organized Sheri Garba with one vision—to keep the culture of Navratri alive in Canada. But such an effort always requires community support, and we have been fortunate to receive generous sponsorship and encouragement. Every year, whatever funds we raise are donated to Ambaji Mandir. Each Navratri, we receive Mataji’s chundadi from the temple, and with that sacred blessing, our Sheri Garba begins. This is a tradition we have followed with devotion and will continue for years to come.”
In a special statement, Shirishbhai added heartfelt gratitude:
“This historic journey of Etobicoke Sheri Garba would never have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, friends, and sponsors. From the very beginning, your love, encouragement, and support have been the foundation of this tradition. Whether you helped directly or indirectly, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you. Together, we have transformed Sheri Garba into more than an annual event—it has become a proud symbol of our cultural heritage in Canada.”
This year, Sheri Garba extended its spirit of giving by supporting OHM SHANTI FOUNDATION, a registered non-profit that provides dignified funeral services—known as antim sanskar—to families facing financial hardship. In a world where funeral expenses can be overwhelming, the foundation ensures that no family is denied a respectful farewell for their loved ones. By covering essential costs and pooling resources, OHM Shanti Foundation eases emotional and financial burdens, offering compassion and dignity at life’s most difficult moments. Guided by integrity and transparency, the foundation stands as a beacon of community service, and Sheri Garba’s partnership with it highlights a powerful harmony between culture and compassion.
Across Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, Navratri has become a pulsating cultural hub for Indo-Canadians. Countless events showcase the tireless dedication of local performers and artists who keep the essence of the festival alive. While celebrity concerts with international stars may grab the headlines, it is the devotion and energy of these grassroots artists that preserve the authenticity of Navratri.
And yet, despite the glamour and scale of big-ticket shows, the true spirit of Navratri lives on in Sheri Garba. For those who have not yet experienced Etobicoke’s version, it offers a rare chance to witness authentic, traditional garba under the open sky—community-driven, rooted in heritage, and reminiscent of the lanes of Gujarat itself. As one longtime participant beautifully put it:
“Here, we dance shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbours, elders teach the younger generation the steps, and the open sky becomes our temple. It feels as if the Navratri of our homeland has been lovingly recreated in our adopted land.”
Over the years, Etobicoke Sheri Garba has become a cultural bridge—connecting first-generation immigrants who carry memories of Gujarat with Canadian-born children and grandchildren learning to embrace those traditions as their own. While it may lack the grandeur of celebrity concerts, it shines with something far more precious—authenticity, generosity, devotion, and emotion. As Etobicoke continues to grow as a centre of cultural pride, Sheri Garba reminds us that festivals are not about stages and star performers, but about preserving identity, passing on traditions, celebrating unity, and giving back to the community. For this community, Sheri Garba is not just an event of the past—it is a living legacy, lighting the way for generations to come.
Perhaps the day is not far when international artists themselves will seek to perform at Etobicoke’s Sheri Garba—not for large fees, but to honour a noble tradition, just as they do in the open grounds of Gujarat.
If you have yet to experience Etobicoke Sheri Garba, now is your chance. Upcoming highlights include:
September 30th: A live performance by the popular Rhythm Group led by Champakbhai (Raj).
October 2nd, 3rd & 4th: Soul-stirring garba by Umiya Mata devotee Sagar Patel.
These three days will also support the Umiya Sanatan Cultural Complex being established in Canada—an event not to be missed, where devotion, culture, and community come together in harmony.
A Note for Our Readers:
This article was crafted from a special interview with Shirishbhai Patel, whose leadership and vision have kept the Sheri Garba of Etobicoke alive for more than two decades. All details and images were generously shared by him, reflecting his lifelong commitment to preserving Navratri’s cultural spirit in Canada.
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