Garba Folk Dance Of Gujarat and Its History

Have you ever seen groups of people dancing in colorful costumes, moving in a circle, swirling round and round, and enjoying the fun? If you have, then possibly what you caught sight of was a Garba folk dance! Garba is one of the traditional folk dances found in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is rich in vitality, excitement, and joy. In this article, we will see what the Garba dance is, where it has come from, and why it is so special.

What is Garba Dance?

Garba is a very colorful and rhythmic folk dance originating in the state of Gujarat in western India. It is a dance performed to celebrate special occasions, especially during the festival of Navratri, dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. The dance involves people making a circle that is agile with dance, moving around by clapping their hands to the music's beat. Sometimes they also use traditional instruments like Dhols and Dandiyas to make the dance even more lively.

Garba Dance Dress and Costumes:

At the time of the Garba dance, people wear very beautiful and colorful costumes. Women wear a traditional dress named chaniya choli, which is very bright and decorated with mirror work and embroidery. Men wear Kediyu and Kafni pajama which is a traditional outfit worn while playing Garba. All this adds up to showing the festive look and glee among the people.

About Gujarat- The State of Garba

Garba is the folk dance of Gujarat, a state in India. A state of rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious food, Gujarat is the only place in India for festivals celebrated with great gusto, and one important item on the list is the Garba folk dance.

Located in western India, Gujarat is a land whose history of performing arts dates back to ancient times. The uniqueness of the place is transparently marked by its folk music, various dance forms, and colorful fairs. Garba dance being an important part of Gujarat culture plays a great role in binding people on festive occasions and important events.

History of Garba

As colorful and lively as the dance itself, so is the history of Garba. It has been in practice for centuries and its roots hark back to ancient Gujarat. Let us take a journey through the history of Garba and see how this wondrous dance form came into being.

Ancient Beginnings

Garba is an Indian old dance. According to a belief, in its initial days, the Garba folk dance was performed as an act to pay homage to the Goddess Durga, who was worshiped through the Navratri festival. In the beginning, the dance performed to honor the goddess was done around an earthen pot with holes or "garbo," filled with water and decked with lamps, and people used to dance around it while singing devotional songs in praise of the goddess.

Traditional Celebrations

With time, Garba emerged as a popular dance form for several celebrations and festivals in Gujarat. The Garba became inherent to the festival of Navratri, which is a festival consisting of nine nights in honor and worship of the goddess Durga. In the celebration of Navratri, people dance to the Garba in open areas and community halls. Traditional music is played along with the dance, specifically songs that glorify the goddess and showcase her strength.

Cultural Significance

For the people of Gujarat, the Garba dance is of ample cultural significance. It has spelt out all that is joyful, devoted, and unified. The dance unites age groups by putting them all into a joyful community. Garba performances occur –mostly- in public places where crowds from different belts of life gather to celebrate and enjoy.

Modern Times

The popularity of the Garba folk dance form has gone international over the past few years. It is now performed across India and even beyond the borders of countries with large Indian populations. International Garba events are arranged where thousands of people throng to cities from around the world to be part of Indian culture and witness the vitality of this vigorous dance. Thereafter, over time, it has also been customized in such a way that modernity in the music and styles has been inculcated into it while its traditional basics have been kept strong.

How to Perform Garba Dance

When you are to use the dance to yourself, you must know the basic steps and movements. This Garba is a fun and easy dance in which anyone can join, be they from a young age to old. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to get you started. 

Enter the Circle

Garba is typically done in a circle. People form a big circle, facing each other. You can just join in by moving in and standing next to your friends or family.

Begin to Clap

Apart from these basic steps, what makes things more interesting is that they all start with clapping. Clapping helps to grasp the beat and makes it a jolly affair. You can clap your hands together or use the traditional sticks, and dandiyas, which make the dance even more appealing.

Move to the Music

As it plays, you can start moving around the circle—the motion can be in small, synchronized actions with others in the group. Since the dance is characterized by lots of spinning and twirling, you may expect to be rotating and changing your direction.

Add Some Twists

Once you feel pretty good with the basic moves, you can start adding some flips or twists with your body into your dance. You can turn and put different patterns with your hands, and you can even add some jumps or bounces. Most of all, just have fun with it and enjoy dancing!

Enjoy the Festival

When one talks of Garba, it is just a synonym for enjoyment and fun. Take Navratri or any other event—Garba is all about repaying the true selves and being with others through the dance form. The enjoyment is special and a way to experience the vibrancy of Gujarati culture and come to make friends.

What's Special about Garba?

Garba dance is special for many reasons. Here is why this folk dance garners such great love from so many people:

A Sense of Celebration of Culture

Garba dance is an important mode of vibrant expression representing Gujarati culture, showcasing the richness of traditions, music, and costumes of Gujarat. A way of celebrating the cultural heritage of the state and struggling to preserve the arts and traditions of Gujarat, which would go extinct in the absence of this.

Community Spirit

Garba brings people together with the aim of unity and merriment. The dance gives a sense of being together because it subjects people to come together in the celebration of happiness. This is a great way to meet new people and bond even more with your relatives and neighbors.

Joy and Fun

Garba is all about fun and a moment of joy. The energetic movements, the lively music, the colorful costumes—all together in one place to make the atmosphere full of joyousness and celebration; everything here bears a smile, whether a dancer or an onlooker.

Expression of Devotion

For many, Garba is a medium through which their love and gratitude towards the goddess Durga are expressed. This dance is performed both as an integral part of worship and as a way of rejoicing during the festival of Navratri. It is a very enriching experience and of great spiritual value to all those who participate in it.

Conclusion

It is a huge and dynamic cultural tradition, traced first in the state of Gujarat in India—the Garba folk dance.

It is a folk dance put on for people, out of celebration, happiness, and respect for one's cultural significance. With a vibrant outfit, electrifying moves, and cheering music, Garba is a dance that all can enjoy.

Whether you are in the Navratri circle or coming across the word Garba for the very first time, remember that this dance means life and getting to connect. So put on your dancing shoes and rock the floor with Garba.

We hope that our guide has helped you to understand what Garba dance is, the origin of this dance, and what makes this dance so special. Enjoy the exploration of this beautiful dance and maybe practice it at your next festive moment. Happy dancing!

FAQs

1. How many types of Garba are there? 

Dandia Garba, Aarti Garba and Raas Garba are some examples of different types of Garba.

2. What is the symbol of Garba? 

Garba’s primary emblem is an earthen jar or "Garbo" adorned by lights and containing water.

3. Who is the goddess of Garba?

Durga is the goddess worshiped when performing Garbafolk  dance.

4. What is the name of Garba Queen? 

Falguni Pathak, an Indian musician whose famous songs were filled with such rhythms as well as dance routines that included this form of dance. She was frequently referred to by this title – “The Queen of Garba”.

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