Garba: Gujarat Culture and Heritage by Krishna Shah

The roots of garba

Garba is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘garbha’, meaning ‘womb’ which is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. The history of the garba can be traced back to old Hindu legend that tells of Lord Krishna’s granddaughter in-law, Usha. The way she danced popularized a precursor to the garba, known as lasya nritya. Traditionally, the dance is performed in circles around a decorated clay lamp with a diya inside known as the ‘garbi’. The lamp represents embryonic life and the divine feminine power. It represents the circle of life, which moves towards the life to death and then rebirth. It is quite often a coconut would be placed at top of the pot to give it the appearance of the sacred Kumbh.

               Often, the dancers carry the garbi on the head while performing. At the center, a representation of the Goddess Jagdamba is also placed in the form of an idol or image. While on one hand, the circle symbolizes the divine feminine energy and fertility, it also signifies the cyclical aspect of time. The circle of life, consisting of birth, death, rebirth. It is symbolized by the rhythmic movements of the dancers.

               Garba is performed during Navratri, a nine-night festival which is worship to Goddess Durga. Garba is a traditional dance from Gujarat, but it has become a popular form of celebration around the world. With elegant vibrant colours, rhythmic beats and an atmosphere is filled with joy. It is not just a dance, but a celebration of life, culture and community.

Garba in Hindu Mythology

In Hindu mythology, when Goddess Durga defeated demon Mahishasura, Navaratri was celebrated to celebrate the victory and from that time garba was the part of expressing the Goddess power. The sword was the most propitious weapon in wielding rage to the demons. Dandiya sticks used in Garba signify the sword of Goddess Durga and her invincibility.

The dance: Simple yet sophisticated

Garba may seem like a simple dance in which participants form a circle around the ‘Garbha deep’ and move in a rhythmic, circular pattern. It involves a series of graceful movements including claps, twirls and steps that follow the beat of the traditional dhol, a double-headed drum and other folk instruments. As the music picks up the speed, the dance becomes more intense with participants often breaking into spontaneous, intricate footwork and clapping patterns.

Garba Goes Global

Garba has transcended borders. From the state of Gujarat to the global level, Garba has found a home in various cultural festivals, especially among the Indian diaspora. Garba being performed in countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Austrialia during Navratri, where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate. In recent years, Garba has also been embraced in fitness activity with Garba workouts to stay active. It is a perfect combination of aerobic exercise and cultural immersion, proving that Garba is a way of life.

The Spirit of Community & Attire

Garba is about coming together. It is a dance that removes social boundaries, bringing people together in a joyful manner. The communal aspects of Garba is reflected in its attire. The dress of Garba is very unique. The men wear a kediyu which remains tight in the thoracic region and then spread out loosely like a skirt along with Kafni pyjamas long with a Pagdi on their head and Mojri or Nagras. Women wear Chaniya choli – a traditional Gujarati three-piece outfit comprising Choli, blouse and chaniya, which is a long flared skirt and an embellished dupatta. Chaniya Choli is characterized by their colourful designs and the embroidery or the mirror work done on them. The whole costume is teamed up with silver or black metal necklaces, big earrings, kamarband, bajuband, maang tikka and juttis.

             The vibrant attire sparks to the festive atmosphere, making the dance captivating with fun and energetic.  It is a living and breathing cultural practice that is now prevalent worldwide. Garba consistently, adapts and evolves into contemporary idioms and themes. The free- flowing and flexible nature of the form also enables the community to come together, improvise and interact. Garba performance has spread beyond Gujarat not only in many other parts of India but in Hindu communities worldwide. Since the late 20th century, there has been a notable expansion of garba competitions and university dance groups.

Types of Garba Dance in different community

Garba consists of different Gujarati dance forms unified to create a clap, twirl style. Traditionally, taali garba and tran taali garba are majorly two types of the garba. Moving counter clockwise, participants form concentric circles and each circle moves in opposite directions. Dancers begin with slow steps. There are different types of garba according to different community wise. Here are the following styles of garba given below:-

1. Koli garba in Saurashtra- Originating from the fishing communities of Saurashtra, Koli garba is known for its fast-paced, rhythmic movements that mimic the waves of the sea. It often incorporates traditional Koli attire and props like oars, symbolizing the community’s connection to the ocean.

2. Rabari garba in North Gujarat- This style reflects the pastoral life of the Rabari community with slow, graceful steps that emphasize storytelling through movement. Dancers often wear traditional Rabari attire, featuring intricate embroidery and mirror work adding a visual fascination to the performance.

3. Betha garba in Nagar Community – Betha garba is a seated dance form performed during Ashvin and Chaitri Navratri. It involves clapping and singing devotional bhajans, creating a spiritual atmosphere. It is deeply rooted in the Nagar community of Brahmin cultural and religious practices.

Key aspects of garba bhajans:

Symbolism of life: The circular motion represents the unending cycle of life, death and rebirth with the Goddess (the Divine light) remaining steady at the center.

Cultural and spiritual unity: It creates a sense of community, connecting participants with the divine and with each other.

Awakening energy: The rhythmic clapping and singing in bhajans

act as a form of worship that awakens Shakti—the divine energy to protect and guide devotees.

Gratitude and celebration: Bhajans provide an emotional, rhythmic outlet to express joy, love and gratitude for divine grace, transforming the dance in a spiritual, joyous and celebratory ritual. 

These bhajans ensure that Garba is more than a dance. It is a profound spiritual, energetic and joyous act of worship that honours the feminine form of divinity, Durga.