Navratri Garba
by Astro Ved Online Astrology ConsultationGarba 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.
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Created on Jun 1st 2021 01:13. Viewed 225 times.