Articles

Navratri Garba

by Astro Ved Online Astrology Consultation

Garba is a dance form as well as a social and religious event that originated in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a community circle dance. The word "garba" also refers to the event at which it is performed. The dance arose in the villages of Gujarat, where it was and is performed in the center of the village. The entire community participates in it. Like many social events happening in rural areas, garba has a religious significance, too. Garba dance is a highlight of the Navratri festival that is celebrated to worship the 9 forms of Goddess Shakti. 

 

 This festival is observed in diverse ways in India, and each style is unique to the region in which it is celebrated. In Gujarat, the nine nights of dancing become a form of worship. The dances start in the evening. Both men and women honor Durga Devi by dancing late into the night. Many people also observe a fast or special diet during these nine days and nights. Garba is also is performed during social events like weddings and parties.

 

Symbolism of Garba


Garba is symbolic of the female divinity and also life’s cyclical nature. It celebrates the divine feminine form. The word comes from the Sanskrit word ‘garbha’, which means "womb." Traditionally, it is performed by women in a circle dancing around a clay lantern with a light inside. This is called a ‘garbha deep’ or womb lamp. It has another interpretation. The vessel symbolizes the body within whom divinity (the Goddess or Devi) resides. Garba uses this symbol to assert the fact that all of us have the divine energy of the Goddess within us. Today, one can see images of Durga at the center of the circle instead of the garbha deep. The dance suggests that God (in feminine form in this case) is the only unchanging thing in a constantly changing universe. 

 

Navratri Garba brings India's folk history to the forefront. The dynamism and zestfulness of the Navratri Garba celebrations spring from the festivities involved. Garba is an indigenous dance form that is very popular for its rhythmic nature. The energetic steps are an integral part of it. 

 

Navratri Garba dance is accompanied by the beats of the 'dhol' or rhythmic clapping of the hands. In recent versions, the dance tempo is lifted by rhythmic live music. Women place the pot on their heads along with a coconut on top of it and dance in a show of skill that is associated with balance and harmony. As the sticks click in a synchronized manner and the women sway in a circular motion, the dancing gains momentum as the performance continues. Performers also sing folk songs that comprise verses on Lord Krishna or praise the nine aspects of Goddess Shakti. As a matter of fact, the Garba style of dancing evolved from an ancient dance form called 'Lasya Nritya'.

 

Dandiya-Raas is a Garba Gujarati dance, and it is performed with bamboo sticks. The strong music elements in Garba singing and dancing have been passed on through the centuries, going back to Lord Krishna's time.

 

Garba Gujarati dance makes for a very mesmerizing performance. The events associated with the Navratri Garba celebration offer an opportunity to showcase Indian culture. The huge scale of Garba events is a prominent feature of the Navratri Garba celebration. In Ahmedabad, the GMDC Grounds sees a lot of activity during this time since it has government support. 

 

Renowned ‘garba' singers are given invites to perform from their repertoire and entertain the huge audience, which come there to dance. Cultural committees and clubs come up with innovative plans for the event, and each year, one can see further innovations in the stage performances. Another important venue for enjoying Navratri Garba dance in Ahmedabad is Manek Chowk.

 

Dance troupes also feature among the performers and treat the audience to a perfectly choreographed dancing act. One can also see men and women matching steps in clubs and open spaces, as they experiment with different styles of Dandiya, like 'Dodhiyu', 'Popatiyu', 'Trikoniya', and 'Lehree' around the figure of Goddess Durga, which is placed right in the middle.

Garba Gujarati dance is usually performed in an evening setting, and it is even more colorful and attractive to watch. Women, children, and men taking part in Navratri Garba create a kaleidoscopic effect as they twirl and whirl in full fervor, attired in colorful clothes embellished with mirrorwork and attractive patterns of embroidery. Young girls and women use silver and fancy jewelry to accessorize their Ghaghra-choli and headcover set. Men use a colorful headpiece to complete the kedia-dhoti look. Read more on Navratri colors 2021 Date and time from astropedia

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Created on Jun 1st 2021 01:13. Viewed 225 times.

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