For those of us who are still clumsy at the grooving to the rhythm of Dandiya and Garba, the sheer amount of colours and gorgeous ensembles can tempt us into trying every year. Because, Navratri is that time of year when we have the chance to spend time with our friends, family, and, most importantly, our own fun self!
But, Why Garba and Dandiya?
The two dance forms – Dandiya and Garba, both originated in Gujarat. They are both performed during the 9 days of Navratri . But, why during Navratri, you ask?
The reason is that these dances are a dramatisation of the nine-day battle between the Goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura, where the Goddess emerged triumphantly.
The festival of Navratri symbolises this triumph of good over evil. The celebrations are meant to signify the victory over the evil that stem from our own cluttered minds. These nine days are an opportunity for us to purify our minds. And get rid of all the negative thoughts and start fresh.
The Garba
Traditionally performed around a garbo— an earthen pot with a lamp inside. This flame of the lamp represents life, a fetus in the womb. The garbo, itself, signifies the body, within which divinity dwells.
The dancers move around it in circles, while making circular movements using their hands and feet. In keeping with the theme, the gestures too symbolise ‘the circle of life’. From life to death to rebirth, with only the divine Mother stable, unchanging and invincible.
Embroidery and mirror work are a staple on the colourful traditional clothes of Garba, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
The Dandiya
In the Dandiya dance, men and women dance energetically with decorated, colourful wooden sticks (known as Dandiya), striking them against each other’s Dandiya to the beat of instruments like the dholak and the tabla. The dance is a glorious way of recreating the confrontation between the Devi and the demon.
The colourful sticks of Dandiya embody the sword of Goddess Durga, which is why this dance style is also sometimes known as ‘The Sword Dance.’ The beats of the instruments are reminiscent of the loud metallic clangs that one might hear on the battlefield.
When it comes to the outfits, mirror work is, again, a signature feature— the costumes for both Dandiya and Garba emphasise the vibrant colours of Navratri.
Garba vs Dandiya
Garba has a more devotional charm, as it is performed to the sounds of bhajans and chants, worshipping the numerous divine forms of the Goddess. A lively aarti follows the dance. On the other hand, Dandiya is usually played in the late evening after the aarti, as part of the celebration and merriment. The aartis are performed with all the traditional puja items in front of images and statues of the Goddess.
The essence of both the dance styles is the warmth and togetherness we feel with our family and friends around; for a time charged with joy, love, and devotion.
The worship, directed to the Goddess, is a manifestation of the gratitude we feel for being bestowed with nature’s abundance. Navratri celebrations would be incomplete without these dazzling dances and art forms!