The Pot contains a Deep which means light. The light represents the Divine shining through the perforations and the Pot symbolises the womb universe.
This combination of Pot and light is known as a Garba Deep The Garba Deep has another symbolic interpretation, that the vessel itself is a symbol of the body, within whom Divinity (in the form of the Goddess) resides.
Garba is danced around this symbol to honour the fact that all humans have the Divine energy within them
The dances which are performed around the Pot are called Garba.
Initially women will start dancing in a counter clockwise circular form around the Pot, with each dancer following the same sweeping motion, with differing vigor and clapping at regular and frequent phases.
The dances celebrate femininity and fertility and venerate a range of Divine Mother Goddesses
The songs and tunes to which the Garba dance takes place, are also known as Garba or Garbis. These compositions have been handed down over the generations and their words and themes range from the spiritual to the social.
The way that the melody and rhythm are composed influence the movement of the dancers and vice versa.
Garba is performed in a circle as a symbol of the Hindu view of time. The rings of dancers revolve in cycles, as time in Hinduism is regarded as cyclical. EXPAND
Many dancers move in flowing rhythm, in balance and harmony, swift and speedy, in an instance they disappear to the far side, only to reappear a few minutes later, twirling and swirling away, spinning and whirling away, again and again, again and again, round and around, round and around,
The Dandiya Raas is a stick dance played by a group of evenly numbered dancers, dancing in two concentric circular lines, with one line moving clockwise and the other moving counter clockwise.
The dancers may twist, turn and sway and even change places depending on their ability and inclination
The Dandiya Raas is played by just men or just women and also by women and men together. This mixed dancing is a unique achievement of this culture and shows great awareness of the relations between men and women
As the dancers interact with each other when they click their Dandiyas, they have a few moments to acknowledge and greet most everyone who takes their place on the swirling dancing circles
The word Raas is derived from and linked to the word Rasa. Rasa is a complex term with several meanings however it may be taken to mean the nectar or essence of a thing.
One rationale behind Rasa is that it allows the exposition and exhibition of various emotions and longings through art, in this instance the art of dance.
The significance of Rasa is further explored in our section on the Natyashastra
When you observe Dandiya Raas danced with energy and passion it becomes obvious that the dance has martial origins and elements, evoking fighting with swords as the player warriors click and swipe with the sticks..
The dance is also performed as a mock fight to emulate the battle of the Goddess Durga against evil in many forms.In some regions of Gujarat the dance is performed by men in a martial style and manner
The sound of sticks clicking all over the place add to the melody of the music and makes all who play a crucial part of the performance.
The clicking dancers also hear the more immediate rhythm of the clicking with the person opposite
Not partners, just erstwhile engagers who click and are off and awayCan also play with a partners or many partners
flirting glances tantalising trances
At a devotional Garba event, the first two hours or so are devoted to performing Garba dances. There is then a short period of communal worship known as an Aarti, in which the gathering stand in a circle around a image or sculpture of a deity and sing and chant a devotional composition. This is done whilst clapping hands, with some people holding a decorated tray of small lighted wicks ( Divas ) which they wave in a gentle swaying motion
The dancers for several hours before, having swirled and whirled in dance, now with all onlookers, gather in a circle several lines deep and surround the central figure of the gloriously decorated and adorned divine goddess. The worshippers then commence singing and chanting in unison and harmony, continuing in this worship and veneration for a short while, usually about twenty minutes.
It is believed that through this ritual of the aarti, the divas acquire the spirit and power of the deity, The divas are then circulated amongst the worshippers, who will lightly cup their downturned palms over the flame and then raise their palms over their forehead so that the divine blessing passes from the flame to the devotees. People also place currency notes or coins in the tray of divas as a token of their appreciation for the blessings of the divine; these contributions also help to defray some of the cost of the event
Prasad is a gracious gift of edible delicacies, such as fruits, nuts and other, mainly sweet, items which have been lovingly prepared by the devotees. These are then carefully set upon silver or metal trays and placed as offerings around the figure of the deity in the centre of the dance circle. After the aarti has concluded, the trays are emptied and their contents are packed in small bags to offer to the devotees as they leave the occasion
The Prasad having been offered to and then blessed by the deity, is believed to have the blessing enshrined in itself. It is considered that the offering and partaking of this sacred prasad to as many people as possible allows positive thoughts to be fostered
The dancing continues after the Aarti, though it is acceptable to leave the events after the Aarti and many of the older and the vulnerable will leave after the Aarti. The floor is then taken over by the dancers to start playing the Dandiya Raas dance
The repetitive movements of Garba dance, synchronized with the melodious chants of Aarti, induce a state of meditative bliss, wherein devotees lose themselves in the divine ecstasy of devotion. Through this immersive experience, participants transcend the limitations of the physical realm, attaining spiritual elevation and enlightenment. CHAP GPT
Each verse reverberates with fervent devotion, invoking the goddess's grace and benevolence upon her devotees. Through poignant verses and stirring melodies, Garba Aarti transcends the mundane realm, transporting participants into a realm of spiritual ecstasy and divine communion.
sparkling shining devotion
Navratri, which means nine nights, is a devotional and spiritual event. As the name suggests, Navratri takes place over a period of nine nights, during which various rites and rituals take place. The festival of Navratri falls four times a year, in line with the change of the seasons and certain cosmic alignments. The majority of people usually only celebrate the main Navratri, known as Sharana Navratri, which occurs in late September or early October
The primary significance of Navratri is the worship of the energy known as Shakti, which represents the power of the Divine Feminine represented by the Goddess of power and strength Durga who is worshipped on the first three days. The next three days are dedicated to the Goddess of spiritual and material wealth Lakshmi. The last three days are in honour of the Goddess of wisdom and learning, Saraswati
The primary significance of Navratri is the worship of the energy known as Shakti, which represents the power of the Divine Feminine represented by the Goddess of power and strength Durga who is worshipped on the first three days. The next three days are dedicated to the Goddess of spiritual and material wealth Lakshmi. The last three days are in honour of the Goddess of wisdom and learning, Saraswati
Garba and Raas dances are the most significant devotional element of Navratri for Gujarat and Gujaratis. These dances take place during the night amidst decoration and vibrant lights. The dances are danced by most women and a substantial number of men.Navratri is a mainly feminine occasion as this was the one occasion during which women could partake in acts or worship, as for many years religious rituals and practices were mainly male preserves
The devotion during Navratri has several aspects. During the day there are recitations and chanting of scriptures in praise of the mother goddesses. There are also ceremonies which involve the feeding of young girls, the worship of the tools of trade and of books of learning. Many people fast before and during Navratri. There are various festivals of Navratri in different regions of India, each with their own particular elements, rituals and ceremonies
Vijayadashmi, the day of victory, is the tenth day of Navratri and is celebrated in honour of the final victory of the Goddess Durga in her battle with the demon Mahishasur. This day is also the day of Dusshera, which commemorates the triumph of Lord Ram over the demon Ravana and on this day many Indian Army regiments venerate and worship their weapons and instruments of power.
These days are an auspicious time for students to start the process of learning and books and instruments of learning are worshipped. Vijayadashami is also considered to be an auspicious day for new businesses start ups
a ravishing radiant wonder of our world
Unless they have a good understanding, of music, the vast majority of people do not fully appreciate the intricacies of music and the significance of various notes and chords. In general people wish to enjoy something which is fairly easy to appreciate. The music of Garba and Raas is folk music, which is popular with the masses and gives them a musical style and form which they find pleasant and which is easy to assimilate and emulate
Garba and Raas compositions have been handed down over the generations and their words and themes range from the devotional and spiritual, to social and domestic concerns. There are compositions in praise and worship of the Mother Goddesses and there are loving symphonies and refrains on the dalliance of Krsna with Radha and the Gopis.
The songs are almost always composed in the Gujarati language. The compositions of Garba cover a wide spectrum of life and its loves and longings, its weaknesses and woes; in loving words, teasing lyrics and cheeky asidesThe clapping with the hands and the clicking of the dandiyas resonate all over the dance floor and often little accompaniment is needed other than a drummer with a two headed drum known as a Naal, to keep the beat and rhythm. The traditional instruments used by the performers are most commonly a Naal or other drum, the shehnai or flute and a harmonium
Garba does not need very elaborate instrumentation, however in modern times many forms of electronic and percussion instruments are used. Garba can also be performed to prerecorded music and it is much better to dance to recorded music, if the musicians or singers available are not very accomplished
Maa Taro Garbo Jhakamjhod , Patan Thi Patola, and Maa Pava Te Gadh Thi are some of the popular Garbas performed in praise of the Divine Mother Goddesses.
Tara Vina Shyam Mune, Tari Banki Re Paghladi Nu and Aaj No Chandaliyo are some of the Raas compositions played in love of Krsna and his enchanting activities. There are several examples of popular garba and raas and performances s
ah music, a magic far all beyond all we do hereR K. Rowling
The basic garba steps are simple, so simple that it does not much time to learn them as long as the person guiding does not over complicate matters. The basic steps are as simple as stepping backwards and fowards, with a slight lift.Once the basic steps become second nature, there are many variations and enhancements which can be introduced to have the dancer stand out and shine. There are many ways in which the clapping can happen and if done well the clapping regulates the rhythm
It is best, even if you an accomplished dancer, to keep the flow of the steps and claps in balance and harmony, rather than be diverted into distracting moves and manouvers, which spoil the flow and sweep of the dancing and makes the dancing far more tiring than it should be.The dancing will go on for several hours and more and if garba is taught and performed well, the deep thinking which has gone into the traditional steps, ensures that you feel energised rather than exhausted
The Fudadarri is done at the end, when it otherwise seems that the dance has finished. Along then comes this wonderful bonus. In this style of dance two dancers hold each other with criss crossed arms and lean back and then turn and sway in a circle, going faster and faster and faster, This dance with its spinning and swirling in an exhaustive and dangerous manner has few other equals,
This dance with its spinning and swirling in an exhaustive and dangerous manner has few other equals, It is amazing to see groups of tens and hundreds doing this all together around the hall with so much energy unleashed and beaming excited faces, swaying away and screaming with laughter
The Ramjanyu happens at end of the evening just after or before the Fudadrri. By this time everyone is sweating, as the last raas finishes and there are some moments to relax and then the Ramjanyu starts.The Ramjanyu, has its origins in the Lasya Creeper dance and is a lilting march, where small groups of dancers put their arms around each others shoulders and then move in a march of dance backwards and forwards, marching their bodies in time and rhythm and balance. This has its origins as the lasya creeper dance
The significance of dancing in a circle is that, some of this flow of ras is kept in flow and check, that just when you might fly off and away, the mighty swirling circle draws you back into the spin and the pattern and the form resumes. And not just a circle , but one that is moving spinning dazzling and dancing.In this section the importance and significance of Dance is explored. Not just Garba and Raas and Indian dance, but Dance in general, as it takes place and has taken place over various cultures and societies.
Are they flying shadows from their native forms set free
Or phantoms in the fairy ring that summer moonbeams see?schiller
Crucially you may leave the circle at any time and join it at any time, without really disturbing the other dancers
whatever the steps the dance is circular
All dance has primitive origins and is refined and evolved over the ages. As humans started to become civilised, dance became more accomplished.
Much of it evolved into tribal style folk dances.
However in many parts of India dance grew to be intricate and classical. This allowed the dancers to portray various moods and emotions, through gestures of the face, eyes and limbs. Stories were expressed through such dances.
As time passed it became difficult for those not accomplished in classical forms of dance to take part.
In Gujarat, the Garba dance was evolved out of the Raas dance and associated with the worship of various manifestations of divine mother goddesses, hence its form and structure is different from Raas. Garba is believed to have been evolved and nurtured into its now current traditional form, between the fifth and fifteenth centuries of the western era
In due course, in Gujarat, folk dances such as Garba, which came into being to allow the mass of people to enjoy the benediction of dance. To also allow them to express and realise differing moods and passionsThe Garba dance has origins in the Lasya Creeeper Danceoo
Not Just Dancing,
Differing Dimension,
Sparkling And Shining Devotion,
Playing And Flowing With The Divine
almost every person who attends is an essential part of the dance