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.
The word Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Garbha,’ which means womb. In this festival, people dance around a lit lamp (Garbha Deep) or picture or statue of Goddess Amba in a full circle. This is also known as the Hindu portrayal of the concept that in this ever-changing universe, only Goddess Amba remains constant.
Because of their respective roles, Goddess Amba and Lord Shree Krishna have both influenced this dancing genre. For Garba, people dress in traditional Gujarati attire such as Chania Choli and Kediyu. And they do so with great zeal and amazing clapping, snapping, and twirling coordination.
This dance form is fast-paced, energetic, and very much eye-pleasing. Garba has many types, and one of the most famous ones is Ras Garba, a partner-based style that involves dancing with pairs of sticks. Globally, Garba has become very popular, and thanks to its modernization, everyone can enjoy it in various simple to complex styles.
With fast and upbeat Gujarati music, dancers manage to give an alluring performance with their brilliant footwork and outstanding coordination of claps and twirls. This traditional dance form is deeply associated with culture and religion, and because of its divine elated energy, people in Gujarat perform it on every happy occasion.
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.
MUSIC
The music of Garba is intended to correspond with the dancing style. Therefore, composers and singers make sure that every note and beat contribute adequately to the particular iconic Garba style.
In older times, Garba music used to have only authentic folk essence with traditional instruments and a couple of song categories. But after the influence of western culture on many Indian art forms, Garba also started including western instruments and music features. Contemporary Garba music contains electronic musical instruments, EDM style, and technical support to please maximum people around the world. Garba music has one consistent essence: its formation around certain types of lyrics. Garba music has devotional, religious, celebrating, or emotional songs with heavy and fast-paced singing to create the ultimate festive vibes. It includes general Gujarati or different regional dialects to connect more with the local audience.
In Garba, upbeat music and catchy lyrics are composed with the traditional Gujarati layered Garba tune to match the Garba dance forms and enhance the overall Garba experience.
