Ankur Nikam
Sharadiya Navratri, a nine-day festival, is celebrated with great joy across India, featuring rituals, aartis, and Garba-Dandiya dances.
Garba and Dandiya are not just dances; they carry deep philosophical meaning representing the cycle of life.
The word ‘Garba’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘Garbha’, meaning womb.
The earthen pot used in Garba contains a lamp called ‘Garbha Deep’, symbolizing the womb of creation and the eternal soul within.
The circular movements in Garba represent the eternal cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth
There is no single centre in the dance; the circle symbolizes the divine feminine energy as the source of creation.
Dandiya sticks represent Goddess Durga’s weapons used to defeat Mahishasura, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The rhythmic stick clashes portray conflict and harmony, teaching that balance can be achieved through struggle.
Traditionally, women performed Garba with devotion, while men celebrated Dandiya with energy, together highlighting creation, destruction, devotion, joy, and the eternal cosmic cycle.