SeattleChange
Get Ready to
Groove- the Garba and Dandiya lined up this Navaratri
Navratri is one of India's most auspicious and vibrant festivals,
celebrated to worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga. It is a festival of joy,
devotion, and dance lasting nine nights and ten days. During Navratri, people
perform various rituals and ceremonies to seek the blessings of the Goddess.
They also indulge in various dance forms, such as Garba and Dandiya, to express
their happiness and enthusiasm.
Garba &
Dandiya- The Two Sister Dance Forms
Garba and Dandiya are two sister dance forms originating in Gujarat,
India. They are performed in large groups on all nine days of Navratri, usually
in the evening or night. Garba and Dandiya are popular in India and many other
countries, especially in the USA and Canada, where there is a large population
of Indians and people of Indian origin.
Garba and Dandiya are very energetic and colorful dance forms that involve various hand and foot movements, clapping, and striking of sticks. They are accompanied by foot-tapping Gujarati songs that praise the Goddess and celebrate her victory over evil. Garba and Dandiya are also a great way to socialize, have fun, and stay fit.
What is the
difference between Garba and Dandiya?
Garba and Dandiya are often used interchangeably, but they are different
from each other. Here are some of the main differences between them:
• Garba is performed before the aarti as a worshipping ritual, while
Dandiya is usually played after the aarti for enjoyment.
• Garba is played by hands and involves circular movements around an
earthen pot with a lamp inside, which symbolizes the womb of the mother
goddess. Dandiya is played with colorful and decorated bamboo sticks, seen as a
representation of the sword of Goddess Durga.
• Garba has a more devotional appeal, as it is performed to bhajans and
chants, praising the many divine forms of the Goddess. Dandiya has a more
festive appeal, as it is performed in lively songs narrating stories of love
and romance.
• Garba is mainly performed by women, wearing traditional outfits such as
chaniya choli (long skirt and blouse) and dupatta (shawl). Dandiya is performed
by men and women, wearing colorful costumes such as kediyu (kurta) and dhoti
for men and ghagra choli (skirt and blouse) for women.
If you want to experience all this and more, you should not miss the
Garba and Dandiya events lined up in the USA and Canada for the upcoming
Navaratri. Search for the Garba and Dandiya events; book your tickets now using
the Sulekha website and app, and get ready for a memorable night of music,
dance, and fun. Don't wait any longer; grab your tickets soon and get ready to
celebrate Navratri with great enthusiasm!
