International Recognition of Gujarati Garba
Gopendra Nath Bhatt
In North India and West Bengal, the festive atmosphere of Durga Puja and Ganesh Chaturthi is prominent, while from Rajasthan to Gujarat, the arrival of Sharadiya Navratri brings nine days filled with the vibrant celebrations of Garba and Dandiya. During this time, Gujarat, especially Vadodara, hosts the largest Garba celebrations in the country. The Garba festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm not only across Gujarat but also in many other parts of India, marking it as the country’s biggest festival lasting for nine days.
In Vadodara, around 100,000 people participate in Dandiya dances daily. Young people from countries like China, Germany, France, Canada, and the USA also enjoy the festivities. An additional 100,000 spectators come to witness the celebrations. The sheer number of attendees at Vadodara’s United Way, Rajmahal, and Mahashakti Garba pandals is a sight to behold. The United Way Garba alone spans 11,500 square meters, illuminated by 25 to 30 large halogen towers and thousands of colorful lights. Parking facilities are arranged for over 10,000 four-wheelers and 15,000 two-wheelers.
This grand Garba celebration occurs every year during Sharadiya Navratri, with online registration for participants. Seasonal passes, costing up to ₹5000, are typically sold out within 24 hours. The entire event incurs costs between ₹50 to ₹100 crores, funded through ticket sales and donations. This vibrant celebration showcases a remarkable blend of attire, music, and rhythm.
The United Way organization has been hosting the Navratri festival for nearly 40 years. Notably, participants dance to traditional songs and wear traditional attire, with men in Kedias and dhotis, while women don Chaniya cholis adorned with beautiful embroidery. Film songs and modern tunes are deliberately excluded from the Garba performances. Organizers assert that despite the late-night celebrations, there have been no incidents of misconduct or conflict over the years.
Garba has gained international recognition, having been included in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition marks Gujarat’s Garba dance as India’s 15th cultural heritage entry, highlighting Garba's significant role in promoting social and gender inclusivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, "Garba is a celebration of life, unity, and our deep-rooted traditions. Its inscription on the Intangible Heritage list showcases the beauty of Indian culture to the world and inspires us to preserve and promote our heritage for future generations." Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel remarked that "the age-old tradition of worshipping the goddess through Garba is alive and thriving, and UNESCO’s recognition of Garba as a cultural heritage is a point of pride for Gujaratis worldwide."
UNESCO's statement noted, “As a dance form, Garba is deeply rooted in tradition and devotion, involving participants from all backgrounds and evolving as a vibrant practice that unites communities.” According to UNESCO’s website, Garba is a "ritualistic and devotional dance" performed during the Navratri festival, dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine. The dance revolves around a lit clay pot, often accompanied by an image of Goddess Amba. Dancers rhythmically clap or play Dandiya while moving in circles.
It’s noteworthy that Garba is Gujarat’s renowned folk dance, derived from the Sanskrit word "Garbha," meaning womb. At least two participants are required to perform this dance, which incorporates Dandiya and hand movements. The Dandiya dance involves sticks clashing in rhythm with each other. During Navratri, Garba becomes a festive highlight throughout the country.
Garba, along with Dandiya Raas, is a folk dance originating from Gujarat, now performed across the country with modern influences. While some criticize the modern interpretations of Garba, the essence of folk dance remains intact.
Historically, the dance was performed while carrying a lit lamp in a clay pot near the goddess, giving rise to the term "Garba." Today, during Navratri, women and girls decorate a clay pot with flowers and dance around it, as Garba symbolizes prosperity and is celebrated as a festival during the month of Ashwin. The first night of Navratri marks the establishment of the Garba, with four lamps lit around which men and women dance and clap.
In Garba, various instruments like claps, finger snaps, cymbals, sticks, and manjira are used to maintain rhythm, with groups of women and young girls performing intricate formations while singing devotional songs related to the goddess or Lord Krishna. Songs from both Shakta-Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions are included in Garba.
Modern Garba and Dandiya Raas are vibrant dance forms traditionally performed by both men and women. This fusion of the two dances has led to the high-energy performances seen today. Participants often wear colorful attire; girls in Chaniya cholis adorned with jewelry, while boys wear Kedias and turbans. Historically, Garba involved simple clapping, but today’s performances feature a variety of styles, including intricate clapping patterns.
Garba is not only performed during Navratri but also during weddings and other joyful occasions. The festive nights during the Garba festival are filled with life, as food stalls and vendors remain open all night. Those selling Dandiya sticks, traditional costumes, and various services related to the festival provide employment to many, including musicians, sound and lighting technicians, and tent organizers.
During the Garba festival, the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the participants from all walks of life provide a stunning glimpse of Indian culture.
साभार :
© CopyRight Pressnote.in | A Avid Web Solutions Venture.