If there’s one thing that instantly brings to mind the festive season of Navratri, it’s the colorful swirls of lehengas, the rhythmic clapping, and the vibrant energy of Garba and Dandiya!

These two traditional folk dances of Gujarat are not just a cultural celebration but an experience that brings people together in joy, music, and movement.

Whether you have grown up spinning to Garba tunes or are new to the beats of Dandiya, this blog is here to share the heart and soul behind these iconic dances.

Garba is a beautiful folk dance performed in honor of Goddess Durga during Navratri.

The name “Garba” comes from the word “Garbha,” which means womb and symbolizes creation, fertility, and life.

This makes it a significant ritual for women as it honors their ability to create.

Traditionally, a clay pot with a light inside, known as the Garbha Deep, is placed at the center of a circle, representing the divine energy.

The light represents ‘life’ or the child inside the Goddess’s womb.

This clay pot has intricate designs cut open so that when the light shines inside, it creates a pretty pattern all around when lit.

This is symbolic of the divine shining through the perforations of the pot, which symbolizes the universe.

This lamp stays lit for nine days and nine nights. On Dussehra, these clay pots are immersed in a water body such as a river or lake.

In Garba, participants form concentric circles around this sacred lamp and dance gracefully to songs praising the goddess.

The dance begins with slow, deliberate movements and gradually builds up to faster and more energetic steps while maintaining a circle.

According to Art of Living, the most common steps in garba involve stepping forward, bending, clapping, stepping back, and twirling, repeating the same order, while moving forward.

The beauty of Garba lies in its simplicity—clap, turn, step—and the fact that everyone dances together in unity.

In earlier times, dancers used to do a type of Garba known as Mata no Garbo. For this type of Garba, the dancers would balance a lit pot on their heads while twirling in circles!

Fun fact: The dance never stops! As one circle ends, another begins, symbolizing the continuous cycle of life.

READ MORE >>> How is Navratri celebrated in different parts of India

Now, if Garba is the elegant queen of Navratri dances, Dandiya is her playful sibling! Dandiya Raas, or simply Dandiya, is performed with colorful sticks, adding an exciting twist to the traditional dance form.

The sticks, known as dandiya, represent the swords of Durga, who fought and defeated the demon Mahishasura. So, every time you tap those dandiya, it’s like you’re reenacting her victory, one beat at a time!

The best part? You get to dance with a partner, and the tapping sticks create a rhythm.

Dandiya is a game of coordination, as the sticks meet perfectly with the music and each partner’s movement.

It’s fun, fast-paced, and often leads to lots of laughter when your rhythm goes a little off!

Tip: When you dance Dandiya, wear something with a lot of flair—skirts and dupattas twirling in sync with the sticks look just magical!

Garba and Dandiya originated in the state of Gujarat, where they were traditionally performed in temples and open spaces during Navratri.

Gujarat still holds the crown for the grandest Navratri celebrations, with entire communities coming together for nine nights of dance and devotion.

Over time, Garba and Dandiya have traveled beyond Gujarat, becoming popular across India and the world.

Fun fact: There are even competitions where you can show off your best Garba or Dandiya moves and win prizes!

While both Garba and Dandiya are dance forms celebrated during Navratri, they are distinct in style and meaning. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Garba:
  • Danced in a circle around the Garbha Deep (the sacred lamp).
  • Movements are more fluid, with clapping and graceful steps.
  • Symbolizes the cyclical nature of life.

• Dandiya:
  • Performed with sticks in pairs.
  • Faster-paced, focusing on coordination between partners.
  • Symbolizes Durga’s fight against Mahishasura.

Both dances are energetic and fun, but Garba has a more spiritual tone, while Dandiya adds a playful, celebratory vibe.

At first glance, Garba and Dandiya may seem like fun ways to celebrate Navratri, but they hold deeper meanings.

These dances represent community, togetherness, and the connection between the human and the divine.

When you step into the circle or pick up those Dandiya sticks, you’re participating in a tradition that is hundreds of years old, one that brings people together to celebrate the goddess, life, and each other.

Garba teaches us the importance of staying connected to our roots and moving in harmony with the people around us.

Dandiya reminds us that life’s battles are best fought with a playful spirit and a supportive partner by our side!

Did you know?

In 2019, a massive Garba dance in Vadodara, Gujarat, set a world record with over 100,000 participants dancing together!

That’s the power of Garba and Dandiya—bringing people together in celebration and joy.

You can’t talk about Garba and Dandiya without mentioning the fabulous fashion! The vibrant and ornate costumes are a huge part of the experience.

For women, the traditional chaniya choli (choli is the blouse and chaniya is a long skirt along with an embellished dupatta or odhni) is the go-to outfit, complete with lots of jewelry, bangles, and mirror work.

Men wear the kedia, a short kurta with flared bottoms with kafni pajamas, often paired with a turban for added flair.

If you don’t have a Chaniya Choli, not a problem. Wear a saree with a seedha pallu or an anarkali suit with a lot of gher and it works (IYKYK). Be confident, and you will rock any look!

And lastly, the more colorful and embellished, the better!

Whether it’s on college campuses, community centers, or large-scale arenas, Garba unites people across generations, keeping the tradition alive and evolving.

If you live outside India, attending a local Garba event is a fantastic way to feel connected to your culture while sharing it with your children.

But, you don’t have to be in Gujarat or attend a large gathering to enjoy Garba and Dandiya. Celebrating at home can be just as fun!

Create a mini dance floor in your living room, play some traditional Garba songs, and invite your friends or family to join you. Plus, it’s a great way to involve kids in the festive spirit.

Whether you’re a Garba expert or just learning the Dandiya steps, the joy of these dances is universal.

They remind us to celebrate life, stay connected with our roots, and, most importantly, have fun!

So, this Navratri, let’s spin, tap, and dance our way through the festive season with love, laughter, and lots of energy.

ALSO READ >>> Durga Navadurga: Get to know the 9 Forms of Durga

ALSO READ >>> Navratri: Nine nights of worship and celebration

ALSO READ >>> Festival Navratri Through The Years: Personal Reflections