Garba or Navaratri

A Hindu religious, traditional festival cum holy days for the goddess of power or Shakti- Amba (a.k.a. Durga for the first nine nights of the month Ashwin of the Vikram Samvant year). Nava means nine, and Ratri means nights.

Garba word comes from sanskrit word "Garbha Deep". the closest meaning of "Garbha" in English language is "inside", as inside of an earthen pot which people still use to store drinking water and the meaning of "Deep" is diya (lamp), with a burning cotton wick in oil in an earthen, small vessel. Traditionally, Navratri was celebrated only by Hindu women only, in the honor of goddess Amba/Durga.

Women would put this "Garbha deep" in the center, as a symbol of shakti/goddess. And at the rhythm of prayers/bhajanas they will be dancing with clapping in concentric circles around "Garbha Deep" or "Garabo".

Though dandiya raas is also somewhat associated with garba, it is originating from a totally different root. Dandiya raas was traditionally performed by men only. This dance/art originated in western part of Guajarat state in India. The Dandiya is actually a pair of bamboo or any wooden sticks of the length 1.5 to 2 feet. Men would hold these sticks in hand, and start with a circuluar formation. Traditionally, this was a pseudo practice of the sword fight with footwork, like Poomse in Tae Kwon Do or Kata in Karate, hence why it was performed

Garba is a form of dance that comes from Gujarat, India.

The Garba is danced during the festival of 'navaratri' which lasts for 9 days. This is one of the most famous festivals in India.

It is believed to have originated in the northern part of Gujarat. It is mainly performed by Hindu women in honour of Goddess Amba or alternatively other Hindu gods and goddesses as well. Men may also take part in the dance. This festival is enjoyed by everyone, both young and old.

The dance consists of women forming a circle around an image of the Goddess Amba and/or garba(s). The women move around the center whilst clapping to the rhythm of the garba (song).

In India, the United States, and England as well other countries, Garba competitions are held in which there are prizes at the regional as well as national level. One such organization that offers this is FOGANA (Federation of Gujarati Associations of America). See their website at www.fogana.org for more information.

In the San Francisco bay area is the CCF competition (charitable care foundation). Its categories include garba and dandia raas.