Mapusa MLA Joins Hundreds as Raasleela 2026 Turns Bodgeshwar Ground Into Garba Arena
MAPUSA, Oct 19: The grounds of Shri Dev Bodgeshwar temple turned into a sea of colour and rhythm on Sunday evening as Raasleela 2026, organised by the Rotaract Club of Mapusa, brought the true spirit of Navratri to North Goa.From the first beats of the dhol, the evening belonged to the dancers. Men, women and children, dressed in vibrant chaniya cholis, kurtas and festive wear, formed circles for Garba and paired up for Dandiya, their sticks clashing in time with the music. The sound of traditional folk songs mixed with modern Garba remixes kept the energy high till late.The celebration was graced by Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza, who joined the participants on the dance floor and interacted with the young organisers. He praised the Rotaract Club for taking the initiative to bring the community together and for giving Mapusa a large scale, open celebration of Navratri.What made the event different was its host. Organised entirely by the young members of the Rotaract Club of Mapusa, Raasleela was not a commercial show but a community celebration.
Volunteers managed the sound, the dance floor, and the crowds, while elders and families joined the youth on the floor .Speaking at the event, the MLA said such youth led cultural initiatives keep the festive spirit alive and strengthen community bonding through music, dance and shared joy.The temple ground, usually quiet in the evening, echoed with claps, music and cheers as participants, many first timers, learned the steps from seasoned dancers. The sight of grandparents dancing alongside college students became the highlight of the night.Raasleela 2026 filled a long felt gap in Mapusa, giving the town a central, open-air venue to celebrate Navratri together.
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