Garba is a traditional dance form that originated in Gujarat and is predominantly performed during Navratri Festival, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Also known as Garbi, Garbha, or Garbha Deep, the term 'Garbha' in Sanskrit means 'womb,' while 'Deep' refers to small earthen lamps. Typically, Garba is performed in a circular formation around a large lamp or an idol of Goddess Shakti.
This dance form is often confused for Dandiya, another Navratri dance rooted in Gujarat but with origins in Vrindavan. The key difference is that Garba involves intricate circular movements of the hands and feet, whereas Dandiya is performed using colorful sticks.
History & Symbolism:
Traditionally, Garba was performed around a Garbha Deep, symbolizing life within a mother's womb. The dance venerates the power and divinity of Goddess Durga or Amba.
Sources of Inspiration:
Symbolically, the circular movements in Garba represent the cyclical nature of life—moving from life to death and rebirth—with only Goddess Durga remaining constant and invincible. This concept echoes the circular motions of Sufi dancers.
The Garba Attire:
Garba is celebrated with vibrant costumes. Women typically wear Chaniya Choli for Navratri, a traditional three-piece outfit comprising a blouse (choli), a long flared skirt (chaniya), and an embellished dupatta. These garba lehengas or Navratri Lehengas are known for their bright colors, intricate embroidery, and mirror work, and are accessorized with silver or black metal jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, Kamar bandha, bajubands, maang tikkas, and jutis. Men don a kediyu, a short round kurta, paired with kafni pajamas, a pagdi (turban), and traditional footwear like Mojris or nagras.
Innovations:
Garba Dance (Image: Mera events)
The contemporary dance scene often features a fusion of Dandiya Raas and Garba, a blend that has gained immense popularity among the younger generation worldwide.
Global Appeal:
This vibrant dance form has made its mark in countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, attracting people from diverse backgrounds who enjoy moving to its lively beats.
Interesting Facts:
Garba has become quite popular in the United States, with around 20 universities globally hosting Garba dance competitions annually. One of the most notable is 'Garba with Attitude,' organized by the Indian Sub-Continental Club at the University of California.
More:
Garba: Significance of Garba Forms in Navaratri