Garba is a popular folk dance performed during the nine-day long Navratri festival in India. The word “Garba” is derived from the Sanskrit term “Garbha Deep” which means “a lamp inside a vessel”. The dance is performed in a circular formation around a lamp or an earthen pot called “Garba Deep”, which represents the divine energy of Goddess Shakti.
The origin of Garba can be traced back to the Vedic times when people worshipped the divine feminine power, also known as Shakti. The dance is believed to have originated in Gujarat, a western state in India, where it is still widely performed during Navratri. Garba has now become a popular dance form in many parts of the country and is performed by people of all ages.
Garba is performed to the rhythm of traditional folk songs, which are usually sung in praise of Goddess Amba or Durga. The songs are accompanied by dhol, a percussion instrument, and other musical instruments like harmonium, flute, and tabla. The dance steps of Garba are simple and involve circular movements around the Garba Deep. The dancers clap their hands, sway their hips, and move in a graceful and synchronized manner.
The dance of Garba is a celebration of life, fertility, and the divine feminine power. The circular formation of the dance symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, while the lamp or Garba Deep represents the divine energy that sustains life. The dance is performed in the evening, which is believed to be the time when the divine feminine energy is most active.
Garba is not just a dance form but also a way of socializing and building community spirit. During Navratri, people dress up in colorful traditional attire and participate in Garba events organized in their neighborhoods or communities. The dance provides an opportunity for people to connect with their cultural roots, showcase their talent, and celebrate the festival together.
Final Conclusion on why garba is played in navratri
In conclusion, Garba is an integral part of Navratri celebrations in India. The dance is a celebration of life, fertility, and the divine feminine power. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and is performed in a circular formation around a lamp or Garba Deep, which represents the divine energy of Goddess Shakti. Garba is not just a dance form but also a way of socializing and building community spirit. It brings people together to celebrate their cultural heritage and to express their joy and gratitude to the divine feminine power.
