Garba is a traditional dance originating in Gujarat, India, and is celebrated during the nine nights of Navratri, which is a Hindu festival devoted to the worship of the goddess Durga in her nine different forms. These nine nights are a time of devotion, reunion, and bonding, with communities gathering to dance Garba, a style of dance that is more like play than actual dancing and is a circular pattern around Durga. The circular movement represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Typically a statue of lord Durga is placed in the center of the circle symbolizing the eternal power and strength.

Each day is indicated by a different form of Durga, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is mainly celebrated during the fall season but depends on the Hindu calendar. There are several different traditions for Navratri, for example, Bangladeshis celebrate Durga puja which is a different concept compared to Garba, but they worship the same and celebrate the same festival. In India, Hindus celebrate Navratri every day for nine nights dancing through the whole night. 

Regardless of how big or small the celebration is, guests are encouraged to dress their best, sporting flashy traditional clothes. The men typically wear Kurtas and women wear Lehengas that are long with multiple patterns. The traditional dance requires people to twirl in circles with special cultural moves that can be with sticks called dandiya or by bare hand.  

Everyone is welcome to join and celebrate Navratri, even if you do not believe in the Hindu religion or know how to do the dance moves. Everyone can ask questions and get assistance on how to do the dance moves without being judged.

Citations:

Garba and Dandiya & Navratri – The Art of Living