Gujarati traditional dances, known as garba and dandiya, are performed during the Navratri festival to celebrate the spiritual victory of good over evil and the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The term “Navratri” means “Nine Nights,” when worshippers honour several manifestations of the goddess Durga.This year, Navratri will take place from September 22 to October 2. Garba Raas and Dandiya Raas are more than just dance forms; they represent the dance of swords, or the fictitious battle between the demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga.Origins of Garba and Dandiya
GarbaOriginating from Gujarat, India, garba is a vibrant and vivacious dance style that has evolved significantly over time. Garba is more than simply a dance; it is a celebration of life, culture, and community that is customarily performed over the course of the nine nights of Navratri.The word “Garba” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Garbha,” meaning “womb,” and represents creation and life. Garba is usually performed in front of a “Garbha Deep,” a lamp inside a perforated clay pot, which symbolises the pure feminine spirit of Goddess Durga.The dance’s circular motions represent the cycles of nature, life, and the passing of the seasons, and they capture the spirit of thanksgiving and devotion to the goddess. The dance is also closely associated with feminine divinity: during the nine nights of Navratri, Garba is a kind of worship of the goddess Durga or Amba, honouring her many facets (Shakti, power; Lakshmi, prosperity; Sarasvati, knowledge).DandiyaGarba and Dandiya Raas (also known as “Dandiya”) are closely related and often complement one another during Navratri. It is a dance in which dancers, usually in pairs, rhythmically strike adorned sticks, called “dandiyas,” in patterns that represent the imaginary battle between the goddess and evil forces. Some legends relate its forms to other local folk customs or to Lord Krishna’s Raas with the Gopis.The late 20th century witnessed the rise of “Disco Dandiya,” a dance style that combined popular Bollywood songs with ancient Garba moves. This combination creates a unique ambience that turns Navratri festivities into a spectacular show with vibrant hues, glittering costumes, and lively dance floors.How to Celebrate Garba and DandiyaRitual structure
There are nine nights of the festival. Each night is often devoted to various avatars of the goddess (e.g., Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasvati nights). Offerings, lamp lighting, and pujas (worship) often take place before garba dances.Prepare the settingAn image or idol of the goddess, or a garbo (earthen pot) filled with betel nut, coconut, cash, etc., is usually placed in the centre of the shrine.Usually held outside or in spacious rooms, the dance area is decked out with flowers, rangoli, and lights.Traditional folk songs, live drums, and singing are performed. Amplified music and fusion with more recent genres have become common nowadays.Garba and Dandiya attireParticipants adorn in traditional Gujarati attire that is bright, mirror-worked, and lavishly embroidered: ‘kediyu’ or something similar for men; ‘chaniya choli’ in a variety of colours, mirror work, and jewellery for women. People tend to wear minimal or barefoot footwear when dancing to connect with the ritual environment.Dance styles and patternsGarba involves clapping, swirling, slow, rhythmic hand and foot gestures, and circular formations (one or more concentric circles), circling the main shrine or lamp in circles, and gradually increasing its pace.Sticks are used in Dandiya, which is usually performed in several locations either after or alongside Garba. Partners can dance in lines or face one another, spin, and stick clash.Navratri endingCelebrations usually peak on the last night or nights: Vijayadashami commemorates the triumph of good over evil on the tenth day. People in many places stop dancing, say their last prayers, and occasionally participate in processions or idol immersion.
