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The Samaj was born: A handful of pioneering
Gujaratis congregated to celebrate Gujarati festivals in
small informal gatherings in the late 1970's and early
1980's. The Gujarati Samaj of Tampa Bay was born in June
1981 at the residence of Mr. Ghanshyam Patel at a
meeting of a few individuals including Ghanshyam Patel,
P.S. Patel and Pradip Patel. The Samaj celebrated the
Navratri Garbas at the Seminole Garden Center on Central
Ave. and the Diwali program at the Roy Haynes Park in
1981 under the first president Mr. Ghanshyam Patel.
P.C. Patel presided over the Samaj in 1982. Navratri
garbas in those days were very simple considering the
costumes and the music. The music was pre recorded on
audio tapes and played on a portable audio cassette
player.
Mr. Pradip Patel was the president of the Samaj for the
years of 1983, 1984, and 1985. In 1983 came the first
custom made costumes clad choreographed Raas Garbas by
teenagers. During this year the Gujarati Samaj also
sponsored and screened a Gujarati play "Ghar Ghar Mati
na Chula". In the spring of 1984 a "Khichadi Picnic" was
organised to encourage both young and adults
collectively. This tradition is alive even today! Every
year the Samaj organises a picnic with Khichadi, roasted
Corn and Watermelon to celebrate Mother's Day at the
Fort De Soto Beach. The Mother's Day Picnic of spring
1998 was a great success. |
