The spirit of Gujarat remained unfazed even as heavy rains and flooding caused havoc in the state. A heartwarming video, quickly going viral on social media, captured the resilience of the people of Vadodara. Despite knee-deep water inundating the city, residents were seen dancing Garba, a traditional Gujarati folk dance.
From teenagers to adults, people from all age groups joined in the spirited celebration. The video, likely filmed around Janmashtami, shows the vibrant Garba performances against the backdrop of flooded roads that transformed into makeshift dance floors. The joyful music and infectious energy of the dancers created a festive atmosphere, defying the challenges posed by the natural disaster.
On one side of the road, the Garba continued, while on the other, a group of people prepared for the Dahi Handi ritual, another integral part of Janmashtami celebrations. In the video, a man can be seen hanging a pot on a rope decorated with balloons, a symbolic representation of Lord Krishna’s childhood antics.
The video captures the spirit of the people of Gujarat, their resilience and ability to find joy even amidst adversity. It’s a testament to the human spirit that can overcome challenges and find solace in tradition and community.
The heavy rains in Gujarat are a consequence of Cyclone Asna, a rare meteorological phenomenon occurring in August. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert, predicting “heavy to very heavy rains” in the state, particularly in the Saurashtra-Kutch region.
The past three days have seen severe rainfall wreaking havoc across Gujarat, including cities like Vadodara and Ahmedabad. The torrential downpours resulted in widespread waterlogging and massive flooding, leading to significant loss of life and property. While some parts of the state have witnessed improvements, Vadodara and surrounding districts continue to face substantial flooding.
The overflowing rivers have prompted ongoing rescue and relief efforts by authorities. As of now, 32 people have lost their lives due to incidents triggered by the heavy rains in Gujarat. Over 18,000 individuals have been evacuated, and approximately 1,200 have been rescued from flood-affected areas across the state.
