Garba Folk Dance of Gujarat

Folk Dance Garba of Gujarat

Garba Dance is a popular folk Dance of Gujarat and is also famous in all parts of India. The word Garba is derived from the word `Garbha Deep` (a lamp inside a perforated earthen pot). The light inside the perforated earthen pot symbolised the embryonic life. This also signifies value of knowledge (light), as opposed to the darkness (ignorance). This dance form has connection with Shakti-Puja i.e. worship of goddess having powers over all. Its origin is believed to be in the worship of goddess Jagdamba.

It is a circular form of dance performed by ladies on the Navaratri days, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami, Holi and such other festive occasions Traditionally the dance is held during the festival of nine days of Navaratri. Ladies place the pot known as Garba with the lamp on their center, leaning to one side every step. A betel nut and a silver coin are placed within the pot, termed as Kumbh, on top of which a coconut is placed. It is said that just as Lord Krishna popularized the Ras dance, Usha the grand daughter-in-law of Lord Krishna is credited to have popularised Lasya Nritya, which is known today by the name of Garba dance. The dance form of Garba has more fluid movements with hands clapping in unison, bodies gracefully bending sideways while every step and arms coming together in beautiful sweeping gestures in different directions. Where almost always all the movement ends in a clap. Garba songs are mostly in praise of Mother Goddess Amba.

Today the Garba dance is divided into two types- modern and traditional dances.

Different types of Raas Garba are Dandia Raas, Taliclap Raas, Khanjari musical instrument raas, Manjira musical instrument raas, diva clay lamp raas, Tippni special stick raas, Talwar raas, beda raas, thaliplate raas,etc.

Musical Instrument Used In Garba :-

Various instruments accompanying the dance are Damru, Tabla, Nagara, pot drum, percussion, Ektaro, Ravan hattho, Jantar, Pavo, shehani, murli, turi, naal and taturi. Even, in some parts now the Harmoniums are also used.

Costumes of Garba Dance:-

Both men and women usually wear colorful costumes while performing garba. The girls and the women wear red, pink, yellow, orange, and brightly colored Chaniya choli, a three-piece dress with a choli, which is an embroidered and colorful blouse, teamed with chaniya which is the flared, skirt-like bottom, and dupatta, which is usually worn in the traditional Gujarati manner. Chaniya Cholis are decorated with beads, shells, mirrors, stars, and embroidery work, mati, etc. Traditionally, women adorn themselves with jhumkas (large earrings), necklaces, bindi, bajubandh, chudas and kangans, kamarbandh, payal, and mojiris. Boys and men wear kafni pyjamas with a Ghagra - a short round kurta - above the knees and pagadi on the head with bandhini dupatta, kada, and mojiris.

Picture of Garba Dance :-

Video's of Garba Dance :-