Garba is a traditional dance, which originated in Gujarat. It is performed during Navratri, which is a nine day festival of Maa Durga.

A couple performing Garba in Vadodara, Gujarat during the festival of Navratri ; Image Source: AKS

Garba is a traditional dance, which originated in Gujarat. It is performed during Navratri, which is a nine day festival of Maa Durga. Nine different avatars of Maa Durga are worshipped during Navratri. During Garba, the participants form a circle around the clay pot bearing a diya in it and statue of Maa Durga. The dance begins at a slow pace and gradually the pace is increased. It is regarded as one of the most pious and joyful dancing traditions.

HISTORY AND ORIGIN

The history behind this dance is that, a rakshas named Mahishasur had wreaked havoc in the universe. Brahma ji had granted him a boon that he would never be killed by any man or animal in the world, however, before disappearing, Brahmaji warned him that he would be killed by a woman. Mahishasur was so sure that no woman in the entire universe had the power to kill him.  Hence, when he stormed at the indralok with his soldiers, the gods were not able to overpower him. The gods sought Bhagwan Vishnu’s intervention. The trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, finally combined their powers to create Maa Durga. Maa  Durga defeated the demon king after nine days of relentless war with him, ending his atrocities and averting the world from being destroyed. So, to honour Maa Durga for saving the universe, people celebrate Navratri festival.

The word ‘garba’ originates from the Sanskrit term ‘garbha’, which means ‘the womb’.  This dance is traditionally performed in Gujarat to honour womanhood, celebrate fertility, and pay homage to all the nine avatars of Maa Shakti. The Garba dance has gained popularity even outside Gujarat, not just in other regions of India but also among Hindu communities all over other states in India. There are a number of folk dances in the other states of India that are identical to Garba.

COSTUMES WORN DURING GARBA

Women typically dress in Chaniya Choli, a traditional three-piece ensemble from Gujarat that consists of a blouse called a choli, a long pleated skirt called a chaniya, and an embroidered dupatta. Chaniya Cholis are distinguished by their vibrant patterns and the embroidered or mirror work. The entire outfit is accessorised with designer Maang Tikka, Kamarband, Bajuband, anklets, and necklaces and earrings. Men wear ‘Kediyu’, a short round Kurta, Kafni pyjamas, and a Pagdi on top of their heads.

TRADITIONAL WAY OF PLAYING GARBA

In an earlier version of the garba tradition, participants would move in a circle while chanting Mataji’s name and carrying a pot on their heads called ‘Garbo’, which has holes in it and a lamp lit inside it. The music begins with a slow pace and rises as the dance proceeds, making the dance livelier and more exciting. This dance style is often confused with Dandiya, another Gujarati dance style that is popular during Navratri and has its roots in Vrindavan. The primary distinction between the two dance styles is that, the Dandiya is performed by both men and women using colourful sticks called the dandiya, which comes from the word ‘Danda’ (Stick). Garba is performed in circle by clapping hands and rhythmic foot movements.

MODERN DAY GARBA CELEBRATION

Numerous Garba celebrations are organized and held up in various clubs and locations. People wear prettiest traditional attire during the evening of the garba festival and travel to the goddess who rescued the earth from evil to give her homage. Here are some well-known locations in Gujarat where you may experience an actual Gujarati Garba celebration. Garba, which originated in Gujarat, has spread around the world and is currently embraced by people all over the world. Garba is essentially a tribute to Maa Shakti.