DANCE - AN EXUBERANT PART IN THE CELEBRATION OF NAVRATRI FESTIVAL

 

Navratri is finally here!  And the celebration is incomplete without a splendid night of Dandiya and music in the form of some upbeat and festive tunes!

Usually the 9 days celebration of Navratri includes 9 days of music and dance in various forms, the major being Garba and Dandiya. These are performed to worship the divinity and power of Goddess Shakti or Durga as well as to pay respect to the divine shakti – Goddess Durga. It is performed in a circle around the statue of Goddess Durga or the lamp offered to Goddess Durga.

 Garba and Dandiya are believed to be the indication of dramatisation of the fight between Goddess Durga – Power of Shakti and Mahishasur – the Demon King.  The colourful sticks used to perform Dandiya represents the sword of Goddess Durga.

 Garba is a form of dance which originates from the state of Gujarat. It is popularly played during the festival of Navratri (Dussehra). Both men and women wear colorful costumes and jewellery while performing the dance.

 The Garba dance is a ritual performance from Gujarat, the traditions of which date back at least to the 15th century and forms the celebrative part of the worship of the goddess Devi. Garba is performed, making a circular movement with hands and legs in a circle.

 Garba originated from the Sanskrit word Garbha meaning the womb. Customarily, this dance is performed during the nine-day Navratri festival which is held annually during the month of Ashwin (September or October)

 Garba is played by hands and involves various hand and foot movements with occasional clapping.  A garba event consists of several segments and Gujarati folk dance forms, including be taali garba (2-clap garba), tran taali garba (3-clap garba), raas, hinch, and more. The two primary forms are garba (both be taali and tran taali) as well as raas.

 An interesting fact about Garba: United way of Baroda Garba is a Mohotsav organized at a grand level and it is a big name not only in Gujarat but whomsoever comes to Gujarat will ask about this place to visit once in Navratri festival. United Way is mentioned in Limca book of Records as the largest garba ground in the world.

 Dandiya is played with colourful dandiya sticks. Several Dandiya steps are performed with an even number of people. click here for famous dandiya songs.

 Dandiya Raas is the folk dance of Gujarat. With its origins in Gujarat, this popular socio-religious dance is performed during the time of Navaratri festival. It is believed to be performed in memory of Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura.

 Dandiya is one of the popular dance forms performed during Navratri as it is used to educate people about the festival and mythological importance behind it.

 During this nine-day celebration, devotees observe fast and enjoy the festival with music, shopping, and dance. This year, the festival of Navratri started on October 15, 2023. The festival is celebrated with fervent joy and enthusiasm throughout the country as this marks the arrival of Goddess Durga.