This year, the Navratri festival is being celebrated from September 26 to October 5. During the Navratri festival, lots of people all over India dance a vibrant, traditional folk dance of Gujarat called the Garba Dance. It has become so popular over the ages that different adaptations and versions of Garba are created in Bollywood songs. Dancers enjoy both the traditional as well as remixed versions of the Garba dance. The Instagrams of Indian dancers are flooded with Garba dance choreography.
Take a look at the videos of these two dance influencers’ Instagram accounts.
Why is Navratri festival celebrated?
The literal translation of the word “Navratri” is “nine nights”. The number nine has a special religious significance. In the Hindu religion , Maa Durga is a Goddess depicting feminine power. The Goddess symbolises strength, protection, motherhood, wars, and destruction. She has nine forms or nine goddesses, each with her own distinct power.
Nine also represents the nine days that it took Maa Durga to defeat the demon Mahashasura after a terrible war. That’s why the ninth day is also called Maha Navami. The last day of victory is celebrated as Vijayadashami.
What is the connection between Navaratri and Garba Dance?
The Garba dance is a celebration of Maa Durga defeating the demon, and therefore, it celebrates good over evil. The word “garba” is a modified term of “garbha”, which means the womb. The devotion to Maa Durga means paying respects to the sacred feminine, especially the womb. It is powerful because it symbolises new life.
The popularity of Garba Dance
The Garba dance was earlier popular only among the people of Gujarat. But now all over India, cultural events are organised in huge grounds for people to dance Garba together.
Every Garba dance starts with a puja or prayer in which an earthen pot with a light is kept in the middle of the dance floor. The upper part of the pot has holes that spread the inner light. It looks beautiful and it is also a way to worship Maa Durga.
Since it’s origins are in the folk culture of Gujarat, it is danced in large groups. People form big groups of circles all over the ground and move forward, dancing without breaking the circle. They use either three claps or a small decorated stick called a “Dandiya” to synchronise with the rhythm.
There are many versions of Garba dance that use different musical instruments for creating rhythm. Earlier, the Garba dance was done only on dhol or drums. Nowadays, there are live performances of Indian singers accompanied by western instruments that attract the younger generation. Some organisers also play recorded garba songs and music to different rhythmic tempos.
Dancers wear traditional, colourful attire of Gujarat that has a blouse, a long skirt, a chunni or veil, and lots of jewellery for women. The men wear a Gujrati pagdi or turban, a Gujrati short kurta or jacket, and a dhoti.
Happy Navratri to you and your families. 🙏🇮🇳🎇
References
Navratri Garba: नवरात्रि में क्यों किया जाता है गरबा, जानें कैसे हुई शुरुआत, क्या है इसमें तीन ताली का रहस्य
By: ABP Live. Updated: 30 Sep 2022 05:43 PM (IST).
strongfitnessmoves 
The vibrant and rhythmic beats of Dandiya dance have captivated the hearts of millions in western India for centuries. This energetic folk dance form, deeply rooted in tradition, showcases the cultural heritage of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Let’s embark on a colorful journey into the captivating world of Dandiya and explore its rich history, significance, and joyful celebrations. Dandiya, derived from the Sanskrit word “Dandi,” meaning stick, refers to the wooden sticks traditionally used in this dance form. It is believed that Dandiya finds its roots in the ancient tales of Lord Krishna’s playful endeavors with the Gopis. Over time, this dance evolved as a celebration of fertility, prosperity, and the triumph of good over evil. Today, it holds a special place during the auspicious Navratri festival, where devotees honor the Hindu goddess Durga.https://www.indianetzone.com/6/dandiya.htm
LikeLike
Garba dance is typically performed in a large circle or formation, with dancers moving in a circular pattern around a central point. The dance is accompanied by music played on traditional instruments like dhol, tabla, and harmonium. The music is upbeat and lively, with a distinct rhythm that is easy to follow. The dance itself involves a series of steps that are repeated in a circular pattern. Dancers move in and out of the circle, often clapping their hands or tapping their feet to the beat of the music. As the dance progresses, the tempo increases, and the dancers become more energetic, often jumping and spinning in the air.
https://www.indianetzone.com/18/the_garba_dance_gujarat.htm
LikeLike