Why Garba Is Played In Navratri? Know The History Behind It

Garba is more than just a dance-it’s the heart of Navratri celebrations across India, especially in Gujarat. But have you ever wondered why Garba is played in Navratri​ specifically? Let’s explore the meaning, tradition, and spirit behind this folk dance!

The Meaning of Garba Dance in Navratri

Garba is a traditional folk dance from Gujarat, which means ‘little earthen lanterns ’ and is performed during Navaratri. This is performed in a circular formation with claps, twirls, and rhythmic footwork.

The dance honours Goddess Durga and all of her forms. It’s believed that the circle made while performing Garba represents the cycle of life and death. Want to know why Garba is played in Navratri season? Let’s discuss below!

• How and why Garba is played in Navratri​ Season?

Garba, Garbha, or Garbi is a spiritual folk dance of Gujarat, performed during Navratri to celebrate the victory of good over evil—a way to worship the Goddess Durga through dance, symbolising devotion, joy, and spiritual connection.

The earthen pot (Garbo) used in Garba holds a diya (lamp), which represents life and the divine light. Dancing around the lamp by making a circle is a symbolic gesture of moving around the source of energy and power.

Also Read: Navratri mantra for 9 Days

Significance Of Playing Garba During Navratri 

Curious why Garba is played in Navratri​ and why not in any other festivals? Well, all the devotees perform Garba during Navratri because it’s believed that this is the best way to seek blessings from Maa Durga, welcoming the positive energies!

Moreover, it’s also stated that Garba represents the process of life and death and is a way to pay tribute to the divine feminine energy. The dance is defined by its fast-paced, rhythmic motions and colourful dresses, making it a lively and energetic celebration of the Navratri festival.

• How has Garba evolved?

These days, the Navratri na Garba is more than just traditional-it’s become a global celebration! People wear vibrant clothes, use dandiya sticks, and mix in Bollywood and fusion music, while still preserving the Navratri Garba dance​ till the present day!

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What is the Difference Between Garba and Dandiya? 

From above, you came to know why Garba is played in Navratri​ traditionally, but you might be confused about the difference between the Dandiya and the Garba celebration. Read below to learn about the differences between Dandiya and Garba, so you do not mistake yourself!

• Garba is played with the sync of hands and feet, while Dandiya is performed using wooden sticks. 
• While performing Dandiya, you need to have an even number of participants, while Gabra can have as many people without any restrictions. 
• The songs on which Garba is performed are based on the Goddess Durga and her nine avatars. At the same time, Dandiya is played with the musical beats of Krishna, which symbolises Krishna playing Rasleela with his Gopiyas. 
• The folk dance of Garba symbolises the women’s fertility and is dedicated to Maa Durga as a sign of her feminine energy. On the other hand, Dandiya is played between two people as a representation of the battle between the Devil and the Demon.

Traditional Costumes of Garba

From above, you must have known why Garba is played in Navratri​ traditionally. It is played by both men and women who wear specific, well-designed costumes. Let’s take a look at the dresses for Navratri Garba!

Costume for Women 

Women wear a traditional costume known as Chania Choli on the Garba night. It is a three-piece costume decorated with beautiful and colourful beads and mirrors. 

Also, to enhance the look, womens wear heavy silver-plated jewellery, sparkling waist belts, maang tika, metal bracelets and jhumkas. As a form of makeup, they apply bold eyeliner or kajal and bindis. 

Costume for Men 

Men can wear a colourful round Kurta and a long shirt to match the outfit with their partner during the dance performance.

The colours of the outfit are usually vibrant and eye-catching, such as red, orange, yellow, or green. However, the overall look is elegant and cultured, perfect for celebrating the festive occasion of Garba night.

Conclusion

Garba is not just a dance but a spiritual expression of love and devotion toward Goddess Durga during Navratri. The age-old tradition of this festival gives us a clear picture of why Garba is played in the Navratri season. Happy Garba Night!

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Read: Chaitra Navratri Festival: History and Religious Significance

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