How 200 drones are lighting up this garba ground in Gujarat with the story of Maa Durga and Mahishasura

‘A recent survey conducted amongst Udgamverse Schools shows a large number of parents are unable to explain the story… What remains is celebration without context,’ said executive director of Udgamverse Manan Choksi

Written by Ritu Sharma

Ahmedabad | Updated: September 25, 2025 07:57 AM IST

3 min read

The show began on the first day of Navratri, on September 22 and will go on till the last- October 2. (Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana)

In an open ground in the Shela area of Ahmedabad, the garba dance halts for a few minutes’ break when the sky lights up with drones telling the story of how Maa Durga conquered Mahisasura. The show goes on for about 10 minutes before the garba resumes into the night. In a first-of-its-kind initiative Udgamverse chain of Udgam School for children has launched this showcase of culture and heritage with the help of technology.

The show began on the first day of Navratri, on September 22 and will go on till the last- October 2 – each night is brought alive through visuals and narration, with more than 200 drones lighting up the sky with voice-over effects.

“In today’s fast-changing world, schools prepare children in multiple literacies—digital, financial, ecological, and emotional. Yet one crucial dimension is often overlooked: cultural literacy. While children may know festivals by name, few understand the deeper stories and values behind them.

Each night is brought alive through visuals and narration, with more than 200 drones lighting up the sky with voice-over effects. (Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana)

Take Navratri for example. Gujarat hosts the world’s longest dance festival, but a recent survey conducted amongst Udgamverse Schools shows a large number of parents are unable to explain the story of Goddess Durga’s nine-day battle with Mahishasura to their children.

What remains is celebration without context,” executive director of Udgamverse Manan Choksi told The Indian Express.

Choksi said, “A recent drone show based on the Sundarkand Katha simply explained in Hindi really fascinated me and hooked everyone to the show; they set aside even food. From there, we thought of doing this for our children.”

The show goes on for about 10 minutes before the garba resumes into the night. (Express Photo by Bhupendra Rana)

The venue, a private party plot on the SP Ring Road near Applewoods, will also showcase representations of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India, mapped and explained with their significance.

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With the aim to bridge this gap by making cultural literacy central to its educational vision beginning with this year’s Udgam Na Garba – Mythological Wonderland.

“Cultural literacy is as essential as digital or financial literacy. Children who understand their heritage grow with confidence, empathy, and pride and are better prepared to represent themselves globally,” Choksi said.

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