What is Garba?

Garba dance is a popular folk dance in the state of Gujarat, which represents the rich tradition of song, dance, and drama. It is a dance performed by women around the earthen pot, called Garbo, filled with water. A betel nut and a silver coin are placed inside the pot, called Kumbh. A coconut is placed over it. Dancing women move round around the matka and a singer and a dholak or tabla player give the music. Participants clap to a certain rhythm. Garba dance is the circular dance form performed by Gujarati women and is performed in Navratri, Sharad Purnima, Basant Panchami, Holi, and other festivals. ‘Garba’ is born according to a lamp called garbadeep, which means a lamp placed inside a pot.

Meaning of Garba

Garba literally means womb deep. The Garbh deep has been considered the embodiment of the creation power of a woman’s womb. This power is worshipped in the form of Mother Durga. On the day of Navratri, a lot of holes are made in the earthen pitcher by lighting a lamp inside it. They also carry a silver coin with them. This deep is called a deep womb.

When Garba played?

It is usually celebrated during the Navratri festivities, which last for ten days and nine nights. Especially in the state of Gujarat and among the Gujarati people globally. it is one of the most well-liked and jovial dancing styles in India.

During Navratri, the Garba dance is performed in the evenings and at night. It often begins after sunset and goes into late at night. To execute the dance, large groups of people gather in concentric circles or rings, clothed in brightly colored traditional costumes.

Participants in the dance move in circular patterns while clapping their hands and tapping their feet to the upbeat beats of traditional music. The dance is distinguished by its elegant and rhythmic movements. The dance is a celebration of heavenly energy and the victory of good over evil, and the circular moves represent the cycle of life.

The Dandiya Raas, which frequently goes along with the Garba dance and uplifts the celebratory and energizing mood, features elaborate dance moves performed by participants using little wooden sticks (dandiyas).

This festival promotes community unity and joy by bringing people together via dance and other social and cultural activities. People of different ages and backgrounds are drawn to the celebrations during Navratri by the numerous Garba events and competitions that are held.

How Garba Played?

1. Formation of Circles: Participants, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, gather in open spaces or designated venues during the evenings and form circles or concentric rings to perform the dance. The circles signify the continuity of life and the interconnectedness of all beings.

2. Clapping and Footwork: The dance begins with participants clapping their hands to the rhythm of the music. The beat is usually fast-paced and energetic, encouraging enthusiastic footwork and graceful movements.

3. Circular Movements: The dance involves graceful and circular movements. Participants move in a coordinated manner, going around the circle while clapping and maintaining the rhythm of the music. The circular patterns symbolize the eternal cycle of life and creation.

4. Traditional Music: Garba is accompanied by traditional folk music, often played using instruments like dhol (drum), nagara (kettle drum), and shehnai (a wind instrument).

5. Colorful Attire: Participants wear traditional Gujarati outfits like chaniya choli (colorful skirts and blouses) for women and kurta-pajama or dhoti-kurta for men. The bright and colorful attire adds to the vibrancy of the dance.

6. Singing and Dancing in Unison: As the dance progresses, participants sing traditional Garba songs that praise Goddess Durga and celebrate the Navratri festival. The dance and the singing creating a sense of unity and joy among the participants.

7. Dandiya Raas: Often, after performing Garba, participants engage in another dance form called Dandiya Raas. In this dance, participants use small wooden sticks (dandiyas) and perform coordinated movements with their partners, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.

8. Social and Cultural Bonding: Garba is not just a dance but it is a social and cultural event that brings the people of different  communities together. It promotes a sense of unity,  friendships, and strengthens cultural bonds between the peoles.

9. Continuation and Celebration: it is played on each of the nine nights of Navratri, and the dance and celebrations continue until late into the night. The enthusiasm and energy of the participants remain high throughout the festival.

Garba Song  Name List

During garba dance special Garba dedicated song is playing. Here we summarized some famous garba song that played during this event:

• Dholida Dhol Re Vagad
• Chogada Tara
• Kem Cho
• Sanedo Sanedo
• Odhani
• Udi Patang
• Tara Vina Shyam
• Garba Nonstop
• Nagada Sang Dhol
• Radha Ne Shyam Mali Jase
• Aavo To Ramvane
• He Ranglo Jamyo
• Aaj No Chandaliyo
• Mara Vira Ni Gori Gori
• Mor Bani Thangat Kare

Graba Dress

Garba dress is particularly significant since it captures the spirit of Gujarati culture and heightens the joyful mood during Navratri’s nine nights. The essential components of garba clothing are listed and explained below:

1. Chaniya Choli: The chaniya choli is  Garba dress for women. It comprises a flared and embroidered skirt known as chaniya paired with a matching blouse known as choli. The choli is often embellished with intricate mirror work, embroidery, and vibrant colors, reflecting the rich craftsmanship of Gujarat.

2. Odhni or Dupatta: Women typically wear a stylish and colorful odhni, also known as a dupatta, that is elegantly draped over the waist or the shoulders. The odhni’s exquisite motifs and embellishments complement the chaniya choli and improve the overall look.

3. Kediyu: A short, embroidered jacket with pleats in the front called a kediyu is typically worn by men. The traditional outfit is completed by a dhoti or pair of trousers, a colorful turban (pagh), and the kediyu. The attire oozes class and gives the Garba celebrations a vintage feel.
.

4. Jewelry: Traditional jewelry is worn by both men and women to accentuate their Garba dress. Women accessorize with vibrant necklaces, earrings, bangles, and maang tikkas (forehead decorations). Men frequently accessorize with a beaded necklace and earrings.

5. Ghaghra: In some areas, women wear a ghaghra, a long skirt with intricate embroidery, in place of a chaniya choli. A choli and ornamental odhni are worn with the ghaghra to create a regal and stylish look.

6. Mirror Work: The use of mirrors is widely used in Garba dress. During the dance, the chaniya choli and kediyu frequently have exquisite mirror work patterns that reflect light.

7. Vibrant Colors: The use of vivid and bright colors is a hallmark of the Garba dress. The pleasure, enthusiasm, and celebration of Navratri are symbolized by the frequent use of the colors red, green, yellow, orange, and pink.

9. Traditional Footwear: Men typically choose leather sandals or traditional footwear like mojris, while women typically wear juttis or the traditional flat sandals known as mojris.

Use Our Collection to Buy Dress From Amazon

The Garba dress not only embodies the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat but also represents the spirit of joy, unity, and celebration during Navratri. As participants twirl and dance to the rhythmic beats, the colorful and traditional attire adds to the festive ambiance, making Garba a truly enchanting experience for all.