Navratri is one of the most revered festivals in India, celebrated with great enthusiasm across several states. In Madhya Pradesh, the festival is celebrated on a grand scale, with devotees observing the nine-day fast, paying respect to the nine different forms of Goddess Durga, and flocking to various local dandiya grounds to play Garba along with their close ones.
Joining these celebrations this year in MP were &TV’s popular Jodi from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan – Daroga Happu Singh (Yogesh Tripathi) and his Dabbang Dulhania, Rajesh Singh (Kamna Pathak), who visited Gwalior to celebrate, enjoy the local festive fervour, exploring the historical monument, gorging on finger-licking street food and shopping at city’s famous traditional art and crafts stores, for souvenirs. And this is what the artists had to say about their visit and Navratri celebrations.
Sharing his excitement, Yogesh Tripathi, aka Daroga Happu Singh, said, “Navratri is one of the festivals that I celebrate with my family every year, and we follow the nine-day colours and daily prayer to Goddess Durga religiously. This year, I am celebrating it at home and with Gwaliorites. Gwalior had always intrigued me, and I always wanted to visit the city someday. And it seems my wish has come true. I had a fun-filled evening enjoying the festive spirit, local hotspots, and street food too! When I was invited to celebrate Navratri with the people here, I couldn't contain my excitement. It is one of the most amazing places I've ever seen. The city has a historical vibe, and the people are friendly and welcoming.
In my character of Happu, I have a Kanpuria accent. Many people greeted me by calling out ‘Arre Dada’ and I was touched. The Garba dancing with the people dressed in their traditional attire was a lot of fun. In addition to that, we also visited the majestic Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior and explored the city. We shop at Patankar Bazaar for local handicrafts, traditional handlooms, and exquisite stone-carved artifacts to take back home with me for my family and friends. I cannot leave any city without satisfying my taste buds, so I did here and treated myself to delicious soul food like sweet imartis and crunchy kachoris. This trip will always be memorable to me”. Adding to this, Kamna Pathak, aka Rajesh Singh, shared, “I thoroughly enjoy the festive vibe, and I celebrate every festival with great enthusiasm. I am an Indorian, so my heart belongs to the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh. Though Navratri is celebrated throughout the country, it has special relevance for the people of Indore.
The city celebrates the 9-day Navratri with colours, music, prayer, and yes, with ‘Garba Raas’ too! However, this year, I got this opportunity to celebrate Navratri in Gwalior. I have a lot of relatives in Gwalior and love the city’s rich heritage, culture, and food. I always wanted to visit the city, but somehow it never materialized. Gwalior city is home to several palaces, temples, monuments, and breathtaking views. The city's overall vibe is so upbeat that I can't put it into words. Playing Garba with the locals and talking about our show Happu Ki Ultan Paltan made me feel fantastic.
Now I understand why this city is referred to as the "musical city". I also went shopping with my onscreen husband, Daroga Happu Singh (Yogesh Tripathi) and bought Chanderi and Maheshwari sarees for my collection. I own a huge collection of sarees, and my trips are incomplete without buying one from the city I visit. I was surprised to see the variety of bangles, cosmetics, and trinkets. I bought them all to give to my Mumbai friends and a saree for my lovely Katori Amma (Himani Shivpuri). I must say, Gwalior city and its people are so warm and welcoming. I can't thank them enough for showing us so much love and warmth during our trip.”
Catch Yogesh Tripathi as Daroga Happu Singh and Kamna Pathak as Rajesh Singh in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, airing every Monday to Friday!
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