What is so special about Garba Nights in Gujrat and how it's spreading in other parts of India & abroad
Garba nights are a popular cultural event in the Indian state of Gujarat, particularly during the festival of Navratri. Garba is a traditional folk dance that originated in Gujarat, which involves rhythmic clapping and twirling around in a circle to music.
During Garba nights, people come together in large groups, often dressed in colorful traditional attire, and dance to the beat of Gujarati folk music. The celebrations typically take place in large open spaces or community halls, where the participants form circles around an idol or picture of the goddess Durga, who is worshiped during Navratri.
Garba nights are a time for joyous celebration, socializing, and feasting on delicious traditional Gujarati food. The atmosphere is electric, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to participate in this vibrant cultural tradition.
Garba nights are very popular throughout Gujarat, but some of the main cities where the celebrations are particularly grand and vibrant include:
1. Ahmedabad - The city of Ahmedabad is known for its grand Garba celebrations, which attract thousands of participants from all over the state.
2. Vadodara - Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is another city in Gujarat that is famous for its Garba festivities. The city's Navratri celebrations are known for their energy and enthusiasm.
3. Surat - Surat is a bustling city in Gujarat known for its thriving textile industry and its vibrant Garba celebrations during Navratri.
4. Rajkot - The city of Rajkot is known for its traditional and authentic Garba celebrations, which draw large crowds every year.
5. Gandhinagar - As the capital city of Gujarat, Gandhinagar is known for its grand Navratri celebrations, which are held in various locations throughout the city.
These cities host some of the most spectacular Garba nights in Gujarat and are definitely worth visiting during Navratri if you want to experience the vibrant and colorful culture of Gujarat.
While Garba nights are most popular in Gujarat, the celebrations have also spread to other cities in India and around the world. Some of the cities outside Gujarat where Garba nights happen include:
1. Mumbai, Maharashtra - Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has a large Gujarati population, and Navratri celebrations, including Garba nights, are quite popular here.
2. Pune, Maharashtra - Pune is another city in Maharashtra where Garba nights are organized during Navratri.
3. Delhi - In the capital city of India, many Gujarati communities organize Garba nights during Navratri, giving people a chance to experience the culture of Gujarat.
4. Bangalore, Karnataka - Bangalore is known for its diverse population, and during Navratri, many Gujarati communities in the city organize Garba events.
5. Dubai, UAE - The Indian community in Dubai celebrates Navratri with great fervor, and Garba nights are a popular attraction during this time.
These are just a few examples of the many cities outside of Gujarat where Garba nights are held. The popularity of this cultural event has spread far beyond Gujarat and is now enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and cultures around the world.
Garba nights are also popular in the United States, particularly in areas with a large Indian-American population. The celebrations typically follow the same pattern as they do in Gujarat, with some modifications to accommodate the local cultural and social context.
In the USA, Garba nights are usually organized by local Indian-American communities or cultural organizations, and the events are held in community halls or other large venues. Participants often wear traditional Gujarati attire, and the music played during the Garba is usually a mix of traditional Gujarati folk songs and modern Bollywood music.
Some Garba events in the USA also feature professional dancers and performers, and there may be prizes awarded for the best-dressed participant or the best dancer. The atmosphere is festive and lively, with people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to celebrate the culture and traditions of Gujarat.
Many Garba events in the USA also feature food stalls selling traditional Gujarati food, such as dhokla, fafda, and khandvi, as well as popular Indian street foods like chaat and samosas.
Overall, Garba nights in the USA are a vibrant and colorful celebration of the culture and traditions of Gujarat, and they provide a great opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the festive spirit of Navratri.
During Garba nights, people typically wear traditional Gujarati attire, which is colorful and vibrant, reflecting the festive spirit of Navratri. Here are some examples of the types of dresses that people wear on Garba nights:
1. Chaniya choli - This is a traditional outfit for women that consists of a long skirt (chaniya), a blouse (choli), and a dupatta (a long scarf). The skirt is usually colorful and embellished with embroidery or mirror work, and the blouse may be cropped or full-sleeved, depending on personal preference.
2. Kediyu - This is a traditional shirt for men that is often worn with a pair of dhoti or churidar pants. The shirt is usually colorful and embroidered, and it may be paired with a colorful turban or a scarf.
3. Ghagra choli - This is another traditional outfit for women that consists of a long, flowing skirt (ghagra) and a blouse (choli). The skirt may be embellished with embroidery or mirror work, and the blouse may be sleeveless or full-sleeved.
4. Kurta pyjama - This is a traditional outfit for men that consists of a long shirt (kurta) and a pair of loose-fitting pants (pyjama). The kurta may be simple or embroidered, and it may be paired with a colorful scarf or a jacket.
5. Saree - While not traditionally worn for Garba, some women may choose to wear a saree, which is a long, flowing garment that is draped around the body. The saree may be embellished with embroidery or beaded work, and it may be paired with a blouse or a crop top.
Overall, the attire worn during Garba nights is colorful, vibrant, and reflective of the rich cultural heritage of Gujarat.
If you're looking to buy Garba dresses, there are several places in Gujarat where you can find a wide variety of traditional attire. Here are some of the best places to buy Garba dresses in Gujarat:
1. Law Garden, Ahmedabad - This market is a popular destination for traditional Gujarati attire, including Garba dresses. Here you can find a wide variety of chaniya cholis, ghagra cholis, and other traditional outfits, all at reasonable prices.
2. Sindhi Market, Ahmedabad - This market is another popular destination for Garba dresses. Here you can find a variety of traditional attire, including embroidered chaniya cholis and colorful ghagra cholis.
3. Raipur Gate, Ahmedabad - This area is known for its traditional textiles and embroidery work, and you can find a variety of Garba dresses here, including embroidered chaniya cholis and colorful sarees.
4. Teen Darwaza, Ahmedabad - This is another market in Ahmedabad where you can find traditional Garba attire, including chaniya cholis, ghagra cholis, and sarees.
5. Surat - The city of Surat is known for its textile industry and is a great place to shop for traditional attire, including Garba dresses. You can find a variety of chaniya cholis, ghagra cholis, and sarees here, all with intricate embroidery and beadwork.
These are just a few examples of the many places where you can buy Garba dresses in Gujarat.
Garba dresses can be purchased online or in-store in various locations in the USA. Here are some popular options:
1. Amazon: Amazon offers a wide variety of Garba dresses, ranging from traditional to modern styles. You can filter your search by color, size, and price to find the perfect Garba dress.
2. Ethnic clothing stores: Many ethnic clothing stores specialize in traditional Indian clothing and may carry Garba dresses. Some popular stores include Utsav Fashion, Cbazaar, and Kalki Fashion.
3. Online Indian clothing stores: There are many online Indian clothing stores that ship to the USA and offer a wide selection of Garba dresses. Some popular options include Indian Cloth Store, Mirraw, and Indian Wedding Saree.
4. Local Indian markets: If you live near an Indian market, you may be able to find Garba dresses there. Local markets often carry a variety of traditional clothing and accessories.
5. Social media: Many people sell Garba dresses on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You can search for Garba dress sellers in your area or join local Indian community groups to find sellers.
The food served at Garba places usually includes vegetarian dishes that are popular in Gujarat and other parts of India. Some of the most common foods you may find in Garba places include:
1. Farsan: Farsan refers to a variety of savory snacks that are popular in Gujarat, such as dhokla, khandvi, samosas, and kachoris.
2. Chaat: Chaat is a popular street food in India that consists of a mixture of potatoes, chickpeas, and spices, topped with chutney and yogurt.
3. Thali: A thali is a platter of various dishes served in small portions, including rice, dal, vegetables, roti, and pickles.
4. Sweets: Traditional Indian sweets such as ras malai, gulab jamun, and jalebi are often served at Garba places.
5. Lassi and Buttermilk: These drinks are refreshing and are a good way to cool down after dancing. They are typically made with yogurt and can be sweet or salty.
6. Masala Chai: This is a popular Indian tea that is spiced with ginger, cardamom, and other spices. It is often served hot and is a favorite among many Indians.
These are just a few examples of the foods you may find at Garba places. The exact menu can vary depending on the location and the organizers of the event.
Here are some popular Garba songs that are often played during the festival:
1. "Aavo to Ramvane": This is a traditional Garba song that is popular in Gujarat.
2. "Dholi Taro Dhol Baaje": This is a popular Garba song from the Bollywood movie "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam".
3. "Kesariyo Rang Tane Lagyo": This is a traditional Garba song that is popular in Gujarat.
4. "Chogada Tara": This is a modern Garba song from the Bollywood movie "Loveyatri".
5. "Radha Ne Shyam Mali Jase": This is a traditional Garba song that is popular in Gujarat.
6. "Odhani Odhu Odhu Ne Udi Jaye": This is a popular Garba song from the Bollywood movie "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam".
7. "Nagada Sang Dhol": This is a popular Garba song from the Bollywood movie "Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela".
8. "Dholida": This is a modern Garba song from the Bollywood movie "Loveyatri".
9. "Tara Vina Shyam": This is a traditional Garba song that is popular in Gujarat.
10. "Garba Raas": This is a classic Garba song that is often played during Garba events.
These are just a few examples of popular Garba songs. The exact playlist can vary depending on the location and the organizers of the event.
Some Garba events may have an entry fee, while others may be free of charge. In some cases, the entry fee may vary depending on the day of the event or the time of entry.
It is always a good idea to check with the organizers of the Garba event for information on entry fees, if any, and any other details regarding the event. You can check the event website, social media pages, or contact the organizers directly to get information on the entry fee, timings, dress code, and any other requirements or restrictions that may be in place.
The decision to offer VVIP seating at Garba grounds is typically made by the organizers of the event. VVIP seating may offer additional amenities or benefits, such as closer proximity to the stage, better views, dedicated refreshment areas, or other exclusive perks.
The process for obtaining VVIP passes can vary depending on the event and the organizers. Some events may sell VVIP passes in advance, while others may offer them as part of a sponsorship package or a special promotion. In some cases, VVIP passes may be limited in number, and may only be available to select individuals or groups.
If you are interested in obtaining VVIP passes for a Garba event, you can contact the organizers directly to inquire about availability, pricing, and any other requirements or restrictions that may be in place. You can check the event website, social media pages, or contact the organizers by phone or email to get more information. It is important to note that VVIP passes may be more expensive than regular admission tickets, and may require additional documentation or identification to access the VVIP seating area.
There are several world records related to Garba, which reflect the popularity and significance of this traditional Indian dance form. Here are some notable examples:
1. Largest Garba Dance: The record for the largest Garba dance was set on October 20, 2017, in Gujarat, India, with 17,201 participants dancing together for 30 minutes. The event was organized by Shree Patel Seva Samaj Trust and was recognized by Guinness World Records.
2. Longest Garba Dance Marathon: The record for the longest Garba dance marathon was set by a group of 1,784 dancers who danced continuously for 32 hours and 7 minutes on October 5-6, 2019, in Mumbai, India. The event was organized by an NGO called We Work for the Poor and was recognized by the India Book of Records.
3. Most People Performing Garba at Multiple Venues Simultaneously: The record for the most people performing Garba at multiple venues simultaneously was set on October 20, 2015, with 5,970 people performing Garba at 24 different locations across Gujarat, India. The event was organized by Radio Mirchi and was recognized by the India Book of Records.
4. Largest Garba Circle Dance: The record for the largest Garba circle dance was set on September 22, 2017, in Vadodara, Gujarat, India, with 5,135 participants dancing in a single circle for 3 minutes and 38 seconds. The event was organised by the Lions Club of Baroda Sayajinagari and was recognized by the India Book of Records.
These are just a few examples of the world records related to Garba. The exact records may vary, as new records may be set from time to time.
Participating in Garba nights can be a lot of fun, but it is important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. Here are some precautions you should consider taking:
1. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable and breathable clothing that allows you to move and dance freely. Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight, too revealing, or too heavy. Also, wear comfortable and sturdy shoes that provide good support and traction.
2. Stay hydrated: Dancing for long periods can cause dehydration, so make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the event. Avoid consuming alcohol or other sugary drinks, as they can cause dehydration.
3. Follow the crowd: When dancing in a group, it is important to follow the flow of the crowd and avoid pushing or shoving. Keep a safe distance from other dancers to prevent injuries.
4. Be aware of your surroundings: Be mindful of the space around you, and avoid dancing too close to walls, speakers, or other potential hazards.
5. Carry only necessary items: Avoid carrying too many personal items with you to the Garba event. Keep your wallet, phone, and other essentials in a secure and easily accessible place.
By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the Garba night and stay safe at the same time.
Experiencing Garba nights in Gujrat during Navratris was a wonderful experience for us and we wish to go to Gujrat again during Garba time and hopefully with better preparation or with some Gujrati friends to enjoy it the most. Do some shopping and go there well dresses and also enjoy the dance. Please leave your comments below for any questions, thoughts or inputs.
.jpg)