Southern California Gujaratis Enjoy Annual Raas Garba With Tradition And Joy

India-West Staff Reporter

BUENA PARK, CA – For more than 40 years, the Southern California Gujarati Cultural Society (SCGCS) has been a cornerstone for preserving and celebrating Gujarati traditions in the region. On September 27, the SCGCS continued this enduring legacy with its annual Raas Garba celebration at the Jain Center in Buena Park.

The evening was a vibrant display of culture, faith, and togetherness, drawing several hundred participants spanning all generations—from toddlers to grandparents. The hall resonated with the energetic rhythms of Garba and Dandiya, brought to life by a live performance from the Sur Sarita Musical Group. Attendees, dressed in colorful traditional attire, twirled gracefully, their movements blending joyfully with the music’s heartbeat.

Falgun Patel, speaking on behalf of the SCGCS Trustee Board, emphasized the organization’s year-round programs, which foster a sense of community and help Gujarati families across Southern California stay connected to their heritage. A group Aarti performed during the evening added a spiritual dimension, filling the hall with a warm, divine glow and reminding everyone of the shared cultural and spiritual ties that unite the community, even far from home.

The festivities also included complimentary traditional treats, with attendees savoring fafda and jalebi, adding a sweet finish to a night steeped in culture and camaraderie.